Daniel Craig’s Bond era is over — he walked into the sea, stared out at the horizon, and (spoiler alert) self-destructed in a missile strike. Now, with Denis Villeneuve confirmed to take over the franchise, the race is on to find his replacement. The latest is that Villeneuve will commence his search for the next Bond when he wraps production on Dune: Part Three and, according to Deadline, he's seeking a fresh face to play the titular character.
So, who is worthy of inheriting the infamous tux-and-martini combo? Naturally, the RUSSH team have some thoughts.
Below, we’ve pulled together some of the internet’s favourites, a few informed guesses, and one or two left-of-centre options we’d personally like to see take the wheel of the Aston Martin.
Scott Rose-Marsh
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Could the first red-headed Bond be upon us? According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 37-year-old actor was brought in to read for the iconic role using a script from the 1995 Golden Eye film, shortly after Villeneuve was hired. If you're not familiar with the actor, Rose-Marsh is best known for his parts in the Welsh drama Yr Amgueddfa, and the BBC One series Chloe.
Tom Holland
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Certain sources have called it early, saying that Tom Holland is the top pick to be Villeneuve's Bond, with the franchise possibly looking at telling the story of the iconic spy when he was around 25-years old. While we wouldn't be mad at Holland swapping his Spiderman suit for a tux, we do have one question: will Zendaya follow suit as the next Bond girl?
Aaron Taylor Johnson
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This is one name thrown around the James Bond rumour mill more than most. It's actually been nearly two years since the OG heartthrob (who will always be Robbie in our minds) was first brought into the conversation as a potential 007 frontrunner, and it's a rumour we still get behind in 2025. A girl can only hope it will be as much of a cinematic masterpiece as Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging...
Harris Dickinson
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This one feels obvious. Either you can see the Babygirl to Bond pipeline, or you can't, and we definitely can.
Rege Jean Page
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Though his time on Bridgerton was short, it certainly proved that Page has the charisma to negotiate with MI6 . He's also been somewhat selective with his roles since then — appearing in The Gray Man and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves — perhaps holding space for James Bond?
Will Poulter
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After Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Warfare, Death Of A Unicorn, and a cameo in The Bear, Poulter’s transformation into a certified movie star is complete. No longer just the awkward kid from We’re the Millers, we would genuinely fight for a seat at the cinema to see him play Bond.
Tom Hiddleston
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Some actors are classic choices, and Hiddleston is one of them. He’s got the height, the intensity, and has plenty of experience leading major franchises, with Marvel's Loki now officially wrapped.
Paul Mescal
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If we won't get to see him play Mr Darcy in the Pride and Prejudice adaptation, at least give us James Bond. He'd also be the most emotionally literate Bond to date, if Normal People and Aftersun are anything to go by.
Idris Elba
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Still the people’s Bond, even if our collective want is yet to manifest as him actually landing the part. And we'll admit, if anyone could calm a room with that raised eyebrow, it’s him.
Nicholas Hoult
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Nosferatu, The Order, Spiderman... Hoult has been steadily building a resume of off-centre characters, off late, which would make him ideal for a darker, slightly off-kilter Bond. He’s also tall, poised, and looks excellent in a tux, as this image so kindly demonstrates.
Jonathan Bailey
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Our love for Jonathan Bailey knows no bounds, and neither, apparently, does his range. With Wicked: For Good set for release later this year, perhaps he could bring a musical theatre element to the next Bond?
