The search for the next James Bond is progressing, with producer Amy Pascal indicating that fans might learn the new 007 sooner than expected. In a recent interview, Pascal suggested that the casting announcement could come by the end of 2026.
Pascal's update on the casting process
Speaking to Deadline, Pascal said, "I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical." She added, "Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is a stirring and exciting and different."
The casting process officially began in June, with Amazon MGM Studios announcing that the search was underway. At that time, the studio said, "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."
Who could be the next Bond?
Since Daniel Craig's final appearance as 007 in 2021's No Time To Die, speculation has been rampant about his successor. Casting director Nina Gold previously noted that they were looking for an actor young enough to play Bond in at least three more films, and she added that the ideal candidate "oozes sex appeal."
Bookmakers' favourites for the role include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Damson Idris, Harris Dickinson, Tom Holland, and Louis Partridge. The next Bond film, currently untitled, will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and is the first to be produced under Amazon MGM Studios, which now holds creative control. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the script, describing the experience so far as "fantastic."
