The history of the iconic and controversial character James Bond goes back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. This character had his official film debut inDr. Noin 1962, in which he was played by Sean Connery. Connery was so convincing in the role that it became his signature part and spawned an unending series of movies.
Several other actors have taken on the name of Bond over the years, and the saga of this casting process is as old as the movies themselves. With Daniel Craig’s contract now coming to an end, the speculation over who will be the next Bond is swirling around Hollywood. Given that the modern interpretation of Bond can be anyone, that gives us even more interesting possibilities.
6Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Rumors Say he’s Been Offered The Part
Aaron Taylor-Johnson didn’t have much to do as Pietro Maximoff in Marvel’sAge of Ultronbefore disappearing from the series entirely, but at least it gave him his breakthrough role. Other more recent movie parts have includedTenet,Bullet Train,andThe Fall Guy. He usually plays an action hero with a habit of quips, unique weapons, or secretive plans.
Rumors have already started to circulate that Taylor-Johnson has been offered the leading role in the next Bond movie. Nothing has been confirmed yet, however, and the actor has a full roster of movies to star in for at least a few years already.
5Sofia Boutella
Survivalist, Engineer, Always Kicking Ass
How is it that Sofia Boutella hasn’t even been in a Bond movie yet? Does it make too much sense? Her role inKingsmanwas pretty close, along with her tough-as-nails character inStar Trek: Beyond.Those are just a few examples of what she can do when it comes to action and drama, with a variety of exotic weapons and gimmicks.
Boutella got her start in choreography, which plays nicely into the stunts, weapons, and spy maneuvers involved in Bond movies. For more of the sultry and spy part of being Bond, there was her role inAtomic Blondeas the main character’s French connection. And that was a head-turning role if there ever was one.
4Idris Elba
He’s Been A Contender For Years
Idris Elba is almost too obvious of a choice. Plenty of his films include a wide range of action, and take place everywhere from space to the Old West. Plus, his silky British baritone has filled several notable voice acting roles.
Elba has never been offeredthe role of James Bond, likely because of the possible backlash from more conservative fans that couldn’t even handle Daniel Craig’s blond hair. However, those times are changing. It’s possible that he’s just been too busy, being one of the most in-demand stars in the industry. But when you think of how long we waited for Pierce Brosnan, there’s hope for Elba yet.
3Dev Patel
A Bond With Gravitas
Dev Patel is an actor with an impressive range. He burst onto the scene withSlumdog Millionaire, and audiences were immersed in the story partly because of his quiet intensity. His other roles have included dramas likeModern Loveand artistic films likeThe Green Knight.
Despite his popularity, Patel seems to shun big budget movies and prefers to take more intimate and artistic roles. Given his preferences, it’s likely that he would refuse the role of James Bond if it were offered to him, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be good at it.
2Neil Newbon
Stunts And Martial Arts, Plus The Buttery Accent
Neil Newbon’s specialty these days is video games, and these past few months he’s beenbusy collecting awardsfor his portrayal of Astarion inBaldur’s Gate 3. The new triple threat is voice acting, stuntman, and motion capture, so Newbon would crush it as the 26th James Bond.
Other than the voice acting that brought everyone’s favorite vampire heartthrob to life, Newbon also did a lot of motion capture and stunt work for most ofBG3and several other popular video game titles. Thanks to his public appearance at the BAFTA Awards, we also know he looks great in a suit. With that realization, any casting director should be all out of excuses.
1Sonequa Martin-Green
Section 31 Is Just Future MI6
The character of James Bond has to be clean cut and dressed to impress, along with being able to get their hands dirty and handle dangerous situations. This could also describe Michael Burnham’s personality,one of the main charactersinStar Trek: Discoveryand the role that has gained the actor more recent acclaim.
Sonequa Martin-Green was involved in a variety of live-action shows and movies before starring inDiscovery, most notablyThe Walking Dead. Both shows feature her as a tough, resourceful, and intelligent character that’s just as good at completing a covert op as leading a team. It’s a perfect resume for the next Bond.
