10 Actors Who Could Replace Daniel Craig As James Bond

It has been three and a half years since Daniel Craig’s last “James Bond” film, 2021’s “No Time to Die,” graced theaters. In reality, Craig’s period got here to an finish far earlier, because the movie was delayed for fairly a while because of the pandemic, so we have been ready for one thing like 5 years to search out out who can be taking up as 007. It now looks like we’re lastly going to search out out sooner reasonably than later.

We not too long ago acquired the bombshell news that Amazon has taken full control of the “James Bond” franchise. Longtime franchise shepherds Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are taking a step again, permitting the tech big to do as they please with the long-lasting MI6 spy from right here on out. A part of the explanation it is taken so lengthy to get a brand new movie going was due to artistic disagreements that occurred between Amazon and the Broccoli household within the aftermath of Amazon buying MGM a few years in the past. That’s now not a problem, and Amazon is bound to maneuver swiftly now that they are within the driver’s seat.

So, who’s going to observe in Craig’s footsteps? Who will turn into the subsequent actor to place their stamp on Ian Fleming’s creation? Earlier than stepping into this record, let’s go over some standards. The idea is that the actor will play the position for a very long time, so no person over 40 is more likely to be severely thought of. We’re additionally working underneath the idea that Bond will not be a lady, however that he does not must be white. Past that? Listed here are a number of actors who might go well with up as Bond, James Bond within the not-too-distant future.

Although he will not be on the prime of a whole lot of lists which have cropped over the past handful of years, John Boyega looks like a rattling advantageous alternative to assist take James Bond in a brand new path. Recognized greatest as Finn from the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, Boyega already has demonstrated that he can deal with being close to the highest of the decision sheet in a serious franchise. Finn was sidelined a bit in “The Final Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker,” however he is nonetheless very comfy on the world’s greatest stage.

Within the years since, Boyega has flexed his performing chops mightily in underseen movies like “Breaking.” The person can act, he is aware of methods to deal with large motion, and he is the right age. The “Bond” producers previously confirmed that being white is not a requirement, so except Amazon decides to totally stroll that again, Black actors are definitely going to be within the combine. Perhaps the one knock in opposition to him proper now’s the truth that he left the Netflix thriller “Rebel Ridge” when it was already deep into production, ostensibly as a result of “household causes.” Would that concern an organization signing him for a years-long dedication? Perhaps. It is no less than one thing that must be addressed, given the character of this position.

Setting that apart for the second, Boyega has the charisma and is able to lead his personal franchise. He feels just like the sort of man that ought to no less than be thought of severely.

This title has been floating round within the rumor mill for therefore lengthy that it will nearly really feel irresponsible to not embody it. Enter Aaron Taylor-Johnson, recognized for his roles in films like “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Bullet Prepare.” The 34-year-old actor has packed on plenty of muscle lately and he definitely seems the half in that regard. He is aware of his approach round an enormous film and, if Amazon needs to play it protected, this looks like an comprehensible alternative. How one feels about it personally is a matter of what they need to see out of the subsequent Bond film.

Taylor-Johnson was the betting favourite for the higher a part of a 12 months, however that was when the previous regime at Eon was nonetheless in management. Now that it is Amazon, this title might disappear from consideration. One other factor to contemplate is that the actor not too long ago headlined Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter,” which was a box office bomb and important catastrophe. Wouldn’t it be truthful to put that on Taylor-Johnson’s shoulders? No, but it surely’s one thing that’s going to be robust to disregard as a result of Bond must be commercially viable on the largest ranges. It issues right here.

Of any title on this record, one of many best ones to image as 007, within the conventional sense, is Taron Egerton. The actor made himself recognized to a lot of the world as Eggsy in “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” The spy flick confirmed us that Egerton might stay in these waters and, not for nothing, that he might look rattling good in a go well with. That is a should for anybody who performs Bond. Due to what audiences know him for, this seems like an nearly painfully apparent alternative, however typically the apparent one could be the appropriate one. It definitely does not harm that he is demonstrated chops in movies just like the Elton John biopic “Rocketman,” whereas additionally proving he can ship a crowd-pleaser with Netflix’s “Carry-On.” He is not a one trick pony.

For what it is price, Egerton is picky about his roles. We’re speaking about an actor who walked away from the lead role in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” as a result of it did not really feel proper. So if he signed on to play Bond, it will be as a result of he really feels it. Amazon goes to desire a really devoted actor, as a result of it’s extremely potential that that is going to be greater than only a film each couple of years. This could possibly be TV exhibits, cameos, all types of stuff for years to return.

We have by no means had a Black James Bond, however that does not imply we won’t ever have one. Working example, for an extended, very long time, Idris Elba appeared to be the fan-favorite to take over for Daniel Craig. Sadly, Elba has aged out of the position, except Amazon needed to do a one-off or concentrate on an older Bond, each of which appear unlikely. So who else would possibly make sense? Daniel Kaluuya, the Oscar profitable actor from “Get Out,” “Nope,” and “Judas and the Black Messiah” fame, seems like a slam dunk alternative, if we’re basing this purely on expertise profitable somebody the position. So far as uncooked expertise working right now, Kaluuya is rattling close to the highest of the record. 

Kaluuya made himself recognized to the world because the lead in Jordan Peele’s breakout blockbuster “Get Out.” Since then, he is delivered the products in every part from smaller films like “Queen & Slim” to the largest films round, like “Black Panther.” He is aware of his approach round an enormous set and he additionally has performing chops nearly as good as anybody else round proper now. If Amazon is keen to defy conventional expectations of what 007 is “supposed” to appear like, or who that actor is “supposed” to be, this seems like a house run choice. Is it life like? We will see.

Typically talking, the actor who lands the position of Bond tends to be one who’s on the verge of changing into a celebrity, having not fairly achieved that standing but. That makes Paul Mescal appear to be an ideal alternative. Earlier than headlining Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” final 12 months, Mescal had appeared in acclaimed movies corresponding to “Aftersun” and “All of Us Strangers,” however hadn’t fairly achieved family title recognition. Now? He is rocketing up Hollywood’s A-list. Heck, Scott was so impressed, he already wants to make “Gladiator 3” with Mescal. That is a glowing endorsement.

As an actor, Mescal has definitely demonstrated that he has vary and may ship the products. “Gladiator II” proved that he might scale that as much as a blockbuster. Mescal additionally has a glance to him that might permit this new model of Bond to be a bit rough-and-tumble, maybe extra brooding and unhinged, but nonetheless excellent trying. Mescal is a type of guys who’s going to wind up on a whole lot of lists for lots of massive roles within the coming years. It might be extra shocking if he does not wind up within the dialogue for 007, frankly. He is acquired momentum working in his favor in an enormous, dangerous approach proper now.

One other actor whose inventory is on the rise and can be within the excellent age vary to tackle Bond for years to return is Josh O’Connor. The actor has been working steadily for a number of years now, showing in hits like Netflix’s acclaimed sequence “The Crown.” Extra not too long ago although, his look in “Challengers,” one of the best movies of 2024, put him on a quick monitor to the A-list. O’Connor has now booked roles within the third “Knives Out” film (aka “Wake Up Useless Man”), in addition to Steven Spielberg’s upcoming, mysterious UFO film. His inventory is rising quickly.

At 34 years outdated, O’Connor is within the excellent ballpark to tackle 007 for the foreseeable future. Relying on how Amazon needs to method the subsequent iteration of the character, he would perhaps must pack on slightly little bit of muscle. That apart, simply when it comes to purely gettin’ whereas the gettin’ is nice, O’Connor looks like a really logical alternative. Once more, he won’t be a reputation on the tip of everybody’s tongues but, however neither was Daniel Craig earlier than he turned “On line casino Royale” into among the best Bond films ever. That is nearly a bonus, as audiences will not deliver a whole lot of baggage with their experiences of watching the actor. They’ll really come to know him as Bond.

There was some consideration given to a Black actor taking up the position of James Bond, however what about an Indian actor? That brings us to Dev Patel, a man who shot to stardom after fronting the Greatest Image winner “Slumdog Millionaire” again in 2008. Since then, he is starred in a mixture of completely different movies, starting from “The Greatest Unique Marigold Lodge” to “The Inexperienced Knight.” In recent times, he is demonstrated some really distinctive performing chops, along with his characteristic directorial debut “Monkey Man” proving he can hold with the perfect of them in that enviornment.

Patel seems downright pure kicking ass, and the person was even willing to suffer through broken bones with the camera rolling on “Monkey Man.” That has to rely for one thing with regards to being thought of as the subsequent 007. At 34, he is the right age and, not for nothing, seems wonderful in a go well with. Once more, this will not be the primary title that involves thoughts for lots of oldsters, however lately, Patel has made a case for himself as an thrilling motion star.

If Amazon needs an thrilling however completely different Bond, it is arduous to think about them doing higher than Patel. Hey will not be wherever close to the frontrunner, however perhaps he needs to be.

Whether or not or not he can be a well-liked alternative is up for debate however, in contemplating the Amazon of all of it, it is robust to consider a extra possible candidate to play Bond than Nicholas Galitzine. The 30-year-old star has damaged out not too long ago with a streak that included “Bottoms,” “Purple, White, & Royal Blue,” and “The Concept of You,” a rom-com produced by Amazon Studios. He is historically good-looking, for one factor, to not point out that he is overflowing with the attraction to go along with it. That is one thing that may’t be overstated when it comes to its significance when casting our new Bond. In that approach, Galitzine is hard to compete with.

Past that, Amazon loves the man, as they cast him as He-Man in the upcoming “Masters of the Universe” movie. They clearly have religion that he can lead an enormous, costly franchise. May he deal with two directly? That is a dialog for one more time, however loads of actors have finished it previously, with Chris Pratt juggling “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World” on the identical time. Plus, if Amazon actually needs to have the subsequent James Bond star carry the franchise for years to return, going youthful is a plus. At 30, Galitzine might, in concept, play the position for 20 years. To not put the cart earlier than the horse, but when it labored out, Amazon would look sensible. 

One fast caveat earlier than we actually dig into this one: Rege-Jean Web page is, as of this writing, 37. He can be 38 in January. He is on the very excessive finish of the age vary Amazon might be taking a look at for the subsequent Bond. That being mentioned, it is arduous to consider an actor working right now that checks extra containers for Bond than Web page. The “Bridgerton” breakout has film star written throughout him, he is simply ready for the appropriate factor to make him a celebrity. 007 would do properly. Good-looking because the satan, charming past cause, charismatic, and match for motion, that is an actor that has each software required to deliver Bond into his subsequent period.

Web page left “Bridgerton” to pursue different alternatives. Whereas “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves” wasn’t the hit it most likely ought to have been, it confirmed that he might carry motion on his shoulders, balancing the comedy and the seriousness of all of it very effectively. Heck, Page even delivered the goods in spades when he hosted “Saturday Night Live.” He might deliver some levity to the position in a approach that (all due respect) Craig’s period by no means fairly achieved.

Of any title on this record, if Amazon had been to announce this tomorrow, it is simple to see lots of people merely going, “Yep, that makes a whole lot of sense.” And with good cause.

Violating nearly each rule that this record has largely abided by, we have to discuss Pierce Brosnan. The 71-year-old actor performed Bond from 1995 to 2002 throughout 4 movies. Brosnan was in one of the best “James Bond” films in the form of “GoldenEye,” in addition to arguably the worst with “Die One other Day.” His run was uneven, which is a part of why the producers made such a drastic change when Daniel Craig took over with “On line casino Royale.” Now, 20 years later, perhaps it is time to deliver Brosnan again for one final journey?

Enable me to elucidate. I am not suggesting that Brosnan be our principal Bond for years to return. However with Amazon taking up the franchise, they’re undoubtedly going to begin milking this cow for all it is price. Which means greater than only one film each few years. Right here, they’d have the chance to make a legacy sequel centered on an older Bond who is named again in for one final mission. It might faucet into ’90s nostalgia and supply a approach to develop the “Bond” franchise with a former star.

How possible is that this? Not terribly, but it surely is also the type of factor one might see Amazon making an attempt to do in an try and faucet into the nostalgia issue that comes with James Bond. It is definitely price contemplating, for higher or worse.

It has been three and a half years since Daniel Craig’s last “James Bond” film, 2021’s “No Time to Die,” graced theaters. In reality, Craig’s period got here to an finish far earlier, because the movie was delayed for fairly a while because of the pandemic, so we have been ready for one thing like 5 years to search out out who can be taking up as 007. It now looks like we’re lastly going to search out out sooner reasonably than later.

We not too long ago acquired the bombshell news that Amazon has taken full control of the “James Bond” franchise. Longtime franchise shepherds Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are taking a step again, permitting the tech big to do as they please with the long-lasting MI6 spy from right here on out. A part of the explanation it is taken so lengthy to get a brand new movie going was due to artistic disagreements that occurred between Amazon and the Broccoli household within the aftermath of Amazon buying MGM a few years in the past. That’s now not a problem, and Amazon is bound to maneuver swiftly now that they are within the driver’s seat.

So, who’s going to observe in Craig’s footsteps? Who will turn into the subsequent actor to place their stamp on Ian Fleming’s creation? Earlier than stepping into this record, let’s go over some standards. The idea is that the actor will play the position for a very long time, so no person over 40 is more likely to be severely thought of. We’re additionally working underneath the idea that Bond will not be a lady, however that he does not must be white. Past that? Listed here are a number of actors who might go well with up as Bond, James Bond within the not-too-distant future.

Although he will not be on the prime of a whole lot of lists which have cropped over the past handful of years, John Boyega looks like a rattling advantageous alternative to assist take James Bond in a brand new path. Recognized greatest as Finn from the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, Boyega already has demonstrated that he can deal with being close to the highest of the decision sheet in a serious franchise. Finn was sidelined a bit in “The Final Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker,” however he is nonetheless very comfy on the world’s greatest stage.

Within the years since, Boyega has flexed his performing chops mightily in underseen movies like “Breaking.” The person can act, he is aware of methods to deal with large motion, and he is the right age. The “Bond” producers previously confirmed that being white is not a requirement, so except Amazon decides to totally stroll that again, Black actors are definitely going to be within the combine. Perhaps the one knock in opposition to him proper now’s the truth that he left the Netflix thriller “Rebel Ridge” when it was already deep into production, ostensibly as a result of “household causes.” Would that concern an organization signing him for a years-long dedication? Perhaps. It is no less than one thing that must be addressed, given the character of this position.

Setting that apart for the second, Boyega has the charisma and is able to lead his personal franchise. He feels just like the sort of man that ought to no less than be thought of severely.

This title has been floating round within the rumor mill for therefore lengthy that it will nearly really feel irresponsible to not embody it. Enter Aaron Taylor-Johnson, recognized for his roles in films like “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Bullet Prepare.” The 34-year-old actor has packed on plenty of muscle lately and he definitely seems the half in that regard. He is aware of his approach round an enormous film and, if Amazon needs to play it protected, this looks like an comprehensible alternative. How one feels about it personally is a matter of what they need to see out of the subsequent Bond film.

Taylor-Johnson was the betting favourite for the higher a part of a 12 months, however that was when the previous regime at Eon was nonetheless in management. Now that it is Amazon, this title might disappear from consideration. One other factor to contemplate is that the actor not too long ago headlined Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter,” which was a box office bomb and important catastrophe. Wouldn’t it be truthful to put that on Taylor-Johnson’s shoulders? No, but it surely’s one thing that’s going to be robust to disregard as a result of Bond must be commercially viable on the largest ranges. It issues right here.

Of any title on this record, one of many best ones to image as 007, within the conventional sense, is Taron Egerton. The actor made himself recognized to a lot of the world as Eggsy in “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” The spy flick confirmed us that Egerton might stay in these waters and, not for nothing, that he might look rattling good in a go well with. That is a should for anybody who performs Bond. Due to what audiences know him for, this seems like an nearly painfully apparent alternative, however typically the apparent one could be the appropriate one. It definitely does not harm that he is demonstrated chops in movies just like the Elton John biopic “Rocketman,” whereas additionally proving he can ship a crowd-pleaser with Netflix’s “Carry-On.” He is not a one trick pony.

For what it is price, Egerton is picky about his roles. We’re speaking about an actor who walked away from the lead role in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” as a result of it did not really feel proper. So if he signed on to play Bond, it will be as a result of he really feels it. Amazon goes to desire a really devoted actor, as a result of it’s extremely potential that that is going to be greater than only a film each couple of years. This could possibly be TV exhibits, cameos, all types of stuff for years to return.

We have by no means had a Black James Bond, however that does not imply we won’t ever have one. Working example, for an extended, very long time, Idris Elba appeared to be the fan-favorite to take over for Daniel Craig. Sadly, Elba has aged out of the position, except Amazon needed to do a one-off or concentrate on an older Bond, each of which appear unlikely. So who else would possibly make sense? Daniel Kaluuya, the Oscar profitable actor from “Get Out,” “Nope,” and “Judas and the Black Messiah” fame, seems like a slam dunk alternative, if we’re basing this purely on expertise profitable somebody the position. So far as uncooked expertise working right now, Kaluuya is rattling close to the highest of the record. 

Kaluuya made himself recognized to the world because the lead in Jordan Peele’s breakout blockbuster “Get Out.” Since then, he is delivered the products in every part from smaller films like “Queen & Slim” to the largest films round, like “Black Panther.” He is aware of his approach round an enormous set and he additionally has performing chops nearly as good as anybody else round proper now. If Amazon is keen to defy conventional expectations of what 007 is “supposed” to appear like, or who that actor is “supposed” to be, this seems like a house run choice. Is it life like? We will see.

Typically talking, the actor who lands the position of Bond tends to be one who’s on the verge of changing into a celebrity, having not fairly achieved that standing but. That makes Paul Mescal appear to be an ideal alternative. Earlier than headlining Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” final 12 months, Mescal had appeared in acclaimed movies corresponding to “Aftersun” and “All of Us Strangers,” however hadn’t fairly achieved family title recognition. Now? He is rocketing up Hollywood’s A-list. Heck, Scott was so impressed, he already wants to make “Gladiator 3” with Mescal. That is a glowing endorsement.

As an actor, Mescal has definitely demonstrated that he has vary and may ship the products. “Gladiator II” proved that he might scale that as much as a blockbuster. Mescal additionally has a glance to him that might permit this new model of Bond to be a bit rough-and-tumble, maybe extra brooding and unhinged, but nonetheless excellent trying. Mescal is a type of guys who’s going to wind up on a whole lot of lists for lots of massive roles within the coming years. It might be extra shocking if he does not wind up within the dialogue for 007, frankly. He is acquired momentum working in his favor in an enormous, dangerous approach proper now.

One other actor whose inventory is on the rise and can be within the excellent age vary to tackle Bond for years to return is Josh O’Connor. The actor has been working steadily for a number of years now, showing in hits like Netflix’s acclaimed sequence “The Crown.” Extra not too long ago although, his look in “Challengers,” one of the best movies of 2024, put him on a quick monitor to the A-list. O’Connor has now booked roles within the third “Knives Out” film (aka “Wake Up Useless Man”), in addition to Steven Spielberg’s upcoming, mysterious UFO film. His inventory is rising quickly.

At 34 years outdated, O’Connor is within the excellent ballpark to tackle 007 for the foreseeable future. Relying on how Amazon needs to method the subsequent iteration of the character, he would perhaps must pack on slightly little bit of muscle. That apart, simply when it comes to purely gettin’ whereas the gettin’ is nice, O’Connor looks like a really logical alternative. Once more, he won’t be a reputation on the tip of everybody’s tongues but, however neither was Daniel Craig earlier than he turned “On line casino Royale” into among the best Bond films ever. That is nearly a bonus, as audiences will not deliver a whole lot of baggage with their experiences of watching the actor. They’ll really come to know him as Bond.

There was some consideration given to a Black actor taking up the position of James Bond, however what about an Indian actor? That brings us to Dev Patel, a man who shot to stardom after fronting the Greatest Image winner “Slumdog Millionaire” again in 2008. Since then, he is starred in a mixture of completely different movies, starting from “The Greatest Unique Marigold Lodge” to “The Inexperienced Knight.” In recent times, he is demonstrated some really distinctive performing chops, along with his characteristic directorial debut “Monkey Man” proving he can hold with the perfect of them in that enviornment.

Patel seems downright pure kicking ass, and the person was even willing to suffer through broken bones with the camera rolling on “Monkey Man.” That has to rely for one thing with regards to being thought of as the subsequent 007. At 34, he is the right age and, not for nothing, seems wonderful in a go well with. Once more, this will not be the primary title that involves thoughts for lots of oldsters, however lately, Patel has made a case for himself as an thrilling motion star.

If Amazon needs an thrilling however completely different Bond, it is arduous to think about them doing higher than Patel. Hey will not be wherever close to the frontrunner, however perhaps he needs to be.

Whether or not or not he can be a well-liked alternative is up for debate however, in contemplating the Amazon of all of it, it is robust to consider a extra possible candidate to play Bond than Nicholas Galitzine. The 30-year-old star has damaged out not too long ago with a streak that included “Bottoms,” “Purple, White, & Royal Blue,” and “The Concept of You,” a rom-com produced by Amazon Studios. He is historically good-looking, for one factor, to not point out that he is overflowing with the attraction to go along with it. That is one thing that may’t be overstated when it comes to its significance when casting our new Bond. In that approach, Galitzine is hard to compete with.

Past that, Amazon loves the man, as they cast him as He-Man in the upcoming “Masters of the Universe” movie. They clearly have religion that he can lead an enormous, costly franchise. May he deal with two directly? That is a dialog for one more time, however loads of actors have finished it previously, with Chris Pratt juggling “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World” on the identical time. Plus, if Amazon actually needs to have the subsequent James Bond star carry the franchise for years to return, going youthful is a plus. At 30, Galitzine might, in concept, play the position for 20 years. To not put the cart earlier than the horse, but when it labored out, Amazon would look sensible. 

One fast caveat earlier than we actually dig into this one: Rege-Jean Web page is, as of this writing, 37. He can be 38 in January. He is on the very excessive finish of the age vary Amazon might be taking a look at for the subsequent Bond. That being mentioned, it is arduous to consider an actor working right now that checks extra containers for Bond than Web page. The “Bridgerton” breakout has film star written throughout him, he is simply ready for the appropriate factor to make him a celebrity. 007 would do properly. Good-looking because the satan, charming past cause, charismatic, and match for motion, that is an actor that has each software required to deliver Bond into his subsequent period.

Web page left “Bridgerton” to pursue different alternatives. Whereas “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves” wasn’t the hit it most likely ought to have been, it confirmed that he might carry motion on his shoulders, balancing the comedy and the seriousness of all of it very effectively. Heck, Page even delivered the goods in spades when he hosted “Saturday Night Live.” He might deliver some levity to the position in a approach that (all due respect) Craig’s period by no means fairly achieved.

Of any title on this record, if Amazon had been to announce this tomorrow, it is simple to see lots of people merely going, “Yep, that makes a whole lot of sense.” And with good cause.

Violating nearly each rule that this record has largely abided by, we have to discuss Pierce Brosnan. The 71-year-old actor performed Bond from 1995 to 2002 throughout 4 movies. Brosnan was in one of the best “James Bond” films in the form of “GoldenEye,” in addition to arguably the worst with “Die One other Day.” His run was uneven, which is a part of why the producers made such a drastic change when Daniel Craig took over with “On line casino Royale.” Now, 20 years later, perhaps it is time to deliver Brosnan again for one final journey?

Enable me to elucidate. I am not suggesting that Brosnan be our principal Bond for years to return. However with Amazon taking up the franchise, they’re undoubtedly going to begin milking this cow for all it is price. Which means greater than only one film each few years. Right here, they’d have the chance to make a legacy sequel centered on an older Bond who is named again in for one final mission. It might faucet into ’90s nostalgia and supply a approach to develop the “Bond” franchise with a former star.

How possible is that this? Not terribly, but it surely is also the type of factor one might see Amazon making an attempt to do in an try and faucet into the nostalgia issue that comes with James Bond. It is definitely price contemplating, for higher or worse.