Amazon MGM Launches Official Search for the Next James Bond

Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that a casting process for Daniel Craig’s successor has begun, appointing veteran casting director Nina Gold—known for *Game of Thrones*, *The Crown* and *Slow Horses*—to lead auditions. The studio released a statement saying, “The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”

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Since the franchise’s 1962 debut, Bond actors have often been relatively unknown or transitioning from television, with Sean Connery, George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton fitting that model. Daniel Craig’s tenure was the first anchored by a series of high-profile film roles. Amazon acquired creative control from producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson last year, prompting speculation that the company may deviate from past trends.

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The search is led by casting director Nina Gold, director Denis Villeneuve and writer Steven Knight. Reported candidates include:

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• Tom Francis (26), Olivier Award winner for *Sunset Boulevard* and recent TV work on *You*;

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• Jack Lowden (35), known from *Slow Horses* and *Mary Queen of Scots*;

The Independent

• Louis Partridge (23), star of Netflix’s *House of Guinness*;

The Independent

• Callum Turner (35), seen in *The Capture* and *Emma*;

The Independent

• Jacob Elordi (28), Oscar-nominee for *Frankenstein*;

The Independent

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson and Henry Cavill, who appear in market speculation. Polymarket’s odds give Turner an 18 % lead.

Vanity Fair

Amazon’s statement emphasized confidentiality while promising future updates. The White House responded by posting a satirical image of former President Donald Trump as Bond, which drew public ridicule. Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, is noted as a Trump ally, though no official comment addressed the casting.

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Commentators warn that casting a high-profile star such as Henry Cavill—recently associated with Superman—could hinder audience acceptance of a new Bond. Others caution that a very young actor like Louis Partridge may strain the character’s credibility and longevity. Critics also note the White House meme as a politicization of the franchise.

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Sources differ on which candidates have formally auditioned: Variety confirms Tom Francis’s audition, while other outlets cite unverified rumors about Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi meeting with Villeneuve. No definitive shortlist has been released, and the exact age range the producers seek remains unclear.

The Independent

• “Amazon MGM Studios said last week: “The search for the next James Bond is underway.” — Amazon MGM Studios

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• “While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.” — Amazon MGM Studios

Vanity Fair

• “Turner is famous and busy, but not too famous and busy” — Unnamed colleague (reported by *The Independent*)

The Independent

• “Pie Another Day” — User comment on White House post (Euronews)

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Bond 26, directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight, is slated to begin production in 2027 with a theatrical release planned for 2028. Further casting announcements are expected as the audition phase concludes.

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