Since Daniel Craig revealed No Time To Die would be his fifth and final portrayal of the infamous 007, rumours have not stopped flying about who will be the new James Bond actor.
Whoever it is has some big shoes to fill, with stars such as Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan historically taking on the martini-sipping British spy created by Ian Fleming. As Daniel Craig did, each made the role their own, reimagining their Bond and creating an evolution of 007.
With the 8th Bond we'll be in for a new imagining of 007, and a complete reinvention of Ian Fleming's classic character, as all 12 of the original novels have been made into film format. The script has yet to be written, so we're certainly in for a wait...but we can speculate.
There had been rumours that a woman could step into the role but most of the bookies favourites are men. It's also worth considering the age of candidates – the first film is not likely to become a reality until 2025 and playing Bond is a 10-12 year commitment.
Plenty of names have come and gone in the discussion, most notably Idris Elba who has been a frontrunner in many lists, but has on multiple occasions confirmed playing Bond is not for him at this point in his career.
So, who could the new James Bond actor be?
10 actors in the running for the new James Bond
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is currently most recognisable as the DC Universe's Superman or Geralt in The Witcher. Henry even auditioned for the role before it went to Daniel Craig!
Regé-Jean Page
Whilst Regé-Jean Page is probably most famous for playing the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton, he isn't just limited to period dramas.
Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy has consistently been one of the frontrunners to play Bond next, and it's easy to see why he might be an obvious choice. Tom has a very strong background in crime drama— thanks in no small part to his key role in Peaky Blinders— so he could be a great choice if they want a darker, grittier tone in the next movie.
Aidan Turner
Poldark heartthrob Aidan Turner is another popular choice for the next James Bond. The Irish actor is well known for his lead role in the BBC period drama, though he's also well known for his turn as Kili, one of the dwarves in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy.
Richard Madden
Best known for playing Robb Stark in Game of Thrones**,** and Police Sergeant David Budd in the gripping BBC drama, Bodyguard, we can certainly see Richard taking on this gentleman-spy role.
Lashana Lynch
Lashana Lynch first appeared in No Time To Die, alongside the retired Bond as Nomi, the new 007 agent, making her the first female and first Black actor to have the iconic codename. The change to a woman holding the 007 designation in the franchise drew international headlines, so no wonder tongues are wagging about whether she could be the next imagining of 007.
Sam Heughan
Scottish actor Sam Heughan is another popular choice for the next James Bond. Sam is best known for portraying Jamie Fraser in Outlander, but the actor has hinted multiple times that he's very interested in being the next 007.
Henry Golding
Crazy Rich Asians was Golding's breakout role where he acted opposite some other Hollywood elite including Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina and Gemma Chan. Since then the actor has starred in Last Christmas with Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, as well as the titular character in the GI Joe spinoff Snake Eyes. This British-Malaysian actor certainly ticks the 'dapper' box.
James Norton
Grantchester and McMafia actor James Norton has dismissed speculation that he might play Bond, yet his name keeps popping up in discussions about who will fill the role.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor has long been linked as the next James Bond, and has quietly built up an extensive body of work that would rank among any other actor on this list. His Academy Award nom for 12 Years a Slave and his work in blockbusters, including The Lion King and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, show off an actor who gives his all, no matter the film.