Amazon Confirms: James Bond Will Stay British And Male, Hunt For Casting Continues
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A growing list of actors is reportedly being considered for the role of next James Bond and the competition is heating up. According to a recent casting update, there are at least two key criteria for whoever steps into the tuxedo next.
The last time audiences saw Bond, he was played by Daniel Craig in No Time to Die (2021). {Photo Credit: Instagram)
James Bond has been a legendary character for decades, an enduring symbol of charm, wit and action. With Amazon MGM Studios now holding the creative reins after acquiring the franchise, there’s been plenty of speculation about what’s next for 007. One thing, however, is certain – Bond will remain both British and male. That assurance comes straight from the studio, which has made it clear that while change is inevitable, the core identity of the iconic spy is not up for debate.
The last time audiences saw Bond, he was played by Daniel Craig in No Time to Die (2021). Now, with his tenure wrapped up, the search for the next 007 is in full swing.
Quite a few actors are reportedly being considered for the coveted role and the competition is heating up. According to a recent casting update, there are at least two key criteria for whoever wears the famous tuxedo next.
The Daily Mail reports that James Bond 26 will stay true to tradition by casting a British male actor. In response to ongoing speculation, an insider revealed that Amazon even issued an internal memo reaffirming this. “Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is a massive Bond fan and while he’s excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct. That’s why the memo went out this week, to reassure everyone. But certain things are up for discussion, like whether the next Bond should be played by a man of colour,” the source explained.
The insider also addressed the swirling rumours about potential drastic changes to Bond’s identity. “There have been so many erroneous rumours about the future of Bond. Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male, ” the source said.
That lines up with the long-held stance of franchise co-owners Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. While the duo maintained strict creative control for years, Amazon MGM’s involvement briefly raised questions about whether the studio might push for a different direction. However, Broccoli reportedly agreed to the sale with the understanding that Bond’s British roots would not be compromised. Seven actors have taken on the role so far, with Craig being the most recent.
Casting the Next James Bond: Who Will It Be?
Fans have been buzzing with predictions about who will inherit the role, and the list of possibilities is long. In a 2024 interview with the Associated Press, Broccoli clarified the studio’s vision. “It will be a man. He’ll likely be in his 30s. Whiteness is not a given,” she confirmed. That statement only fueled speculation further, with names like Idris Elba, Paul Mescal, James Norton, Callum Turner, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson frequently thrown into the mix. But as of now, no official casting decisions have been made.
Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon Studios, also weighed in on the ongoing discussions. “There are a lot of ideas [about potential actors] that have popped up that I thought are interesting. I think there are a lot of different ways we can go … The global audience will be patient. We don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point,” she told The Guardian.
While casting remains uncertain, another big question looms: What’s next for the Bond franchise? Amazon has yet to lay out concrete plans, but rumours are already swirling about possible expansions. One idea reportedly being tossed around is a Bond universe with spin-offs featuring MI6 secretary Moneypenny and CIA operative Felix Leiter. Traditionally, the franchise has always centred on Bond himself, and Broccoli has previously insisted that the films will continue to be developed exclusively for theatres.
Amazon’s influence on the future of 007 is undeniable. The company secured the distribution rights to Bond’s past films after purchasing MGM for $8.5 billion in 2021, then spent an additional $1 billion to obtain creative control. With so much at stake, every decision about Bond’s future will be closely scrutinised. But one thing is clear: the world’s most famous spy isn’t going anywhere. The only question is—who’s next?