The competition to become the next James Bond is reaching a critical stage, with reports indicating that finalists are progressing to the next round of auditions. Amazon MGM Studios initiated the search earlier this summer following Daniel Craig's departure. According to the latest rumours, candidates who advanced past the initial screening will meet with director Denis Villeneuve in August for further testing. The identities of those involved—including both established names and relative unknowns—remain tightly guarded. However, bookmaker William Hill has identified six frontrunners based on betting odds.
Scott Rose-Marsh at 8/1 odds
The least recognisable name among the contenders, Scott Rose-Marsh, 38, first attracted attention last year when an insider claimed he had screen-tested for Bond using scenes from 1995's GoldenEye. A subsequent article in January 2026 dismissed this as a “bizarre hoax,” but Rose-Marsh broke his silence in June 2026 after an NDA expired. He stated that the article was inaccurate and that he actually auditioned for Bond in the summer of 2021. Given that Patrick Gibson was cast as Bond in the video game 007 First Light five years ago and Ben Starr auditioned for that role with a GoldenEye reading, it is plausible that Rose-Marsh tested for the same game. Nevertheless, he now ranks among the bookies' favourites for the big-screen role. His recent credits include Wolves of War (2022) and The Outlaws.
Jacob Elordi at 7/1 odds
The 29-year-old Australian star of Saltburn and Wuthering Heights recently earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Frankenstein. Some pundits argue that Elordi is too famous and too tall—at 6 feet 5 inches—to play James Bond. However, insider reports indicate that he has met with director Denis Villeneuve about the role, and others suggest the part is his if he wants it. Concerns about a non-British Bond are mitigated by the fact that George Lazenby, also Australian, previously held the role.
Harris Dickinson at 6/1 odds
The 30-year-old British actor has portrayed a range of characters over the past decade, including John Paul Getty III and Nicole Kidman's tomboy in Babygirl. His most Bond-like role came in The King's Man, where he played Conrad Oxford, a young aristocrat fighting in World War I—a part he secured after nearly joining the Royal Marines in real life. Dickinson's primary obstacle in the Bond race is his current commitment to playing John Lennon across four consecutive Beatles biopics scheduled for release in 2028. Juggling both roles would be challenging.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 6/1 odds
Perhaps the most prominent name on the shortlist, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 36, has been evading questions about a potential Bond casting for years. He has demonstrated both comedic and action prowess in films such as Kick-Ass, Tenet, Avengers, Bullet Train, Kraven the Hunter, and 28 Years Later. He also played John Lennon in 2009's Nowhere Boy, but that was as a teenager, not on the verge of being cast as 007.
Louis Partridge at 3/1 odds
A recent entrant to the Bond odds race, the 23-year-old star of House of Guinness caused a stir at the Enola Holmes 3 premiere last week. When asked by Variety if he envisioned himself in the 007 casting conversation, he replied, “No, no. Not yet at least. But that's something to keep in mind.” Rumours suggest that Amazon is seeking a younger Bond fresh out of the Royal Navy, which could favour Partridge.
Callum Turner at EVENS odds
The current bookies' favourite, Callum Turner, 36, of Fantastic Beasts fame, is on the cusp of A-list stardom and possesses the classic looks for Ian Fleming's spy. Fans spotted him wearing a signature Bond tuxedo in his professionally photographed wedding pictures with wife Dua Lipa. If cast as 007, Lipa would be a natural candidate to co-star as a Bond girl and sing the first Bond theme.
However, these odds should be taken with caution. The former casting director for the last three Bond actors has stated that she would not choose from the movie stars on this list but would instead opt for a lesser-known actor, similar to Daniel Craig 21 years ago.
