What's happened
The next James Bond will be cast in 2026, with Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight scripting. Callum Turner is the current favorite, with other contenders including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Anthony Boyle. The role will be a career-defining opportunity for the chosen actor.
What's behind the headline?
The selection of the next Bond is a pivotal moment for the franchise, which aims to refresh its image while maintaining its core appeal. Callum Turner’s current favoritism reflects a trend toward casting actors with diverse backgrounds and theatre experience, as seen with Anthony Boyle’s Olivier Award-winning career. The involvement of high-profile directors like Villeneuve signals a desire for a more cinematic and nuanced Bond. The betting odds suggest a competitive race, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Anthony Boyle emerging as strong contenders. This casting will shape the franchise’s direction for years to come, balancing tradition with innovation. The decision also underscores the franchise’s global appeal, as it seeks to attract new audiences while satisfying long-time fans.
What the papers say
The Scotsman reports that Denis Villeneuve will direct the 2027 Bond film, with Steven Knight scripting, and highlights Callum Turner as the current favorite. Business Insider UK discusses the betting odds for contenders like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Anthony Boyle, emphasizing the significance of the role for the actors' careers. The New York Times provides insight into the casting process, noting the involvement of casting director Josh Safdie and the use of diverse non-actors, illustrating the franchise's evolving approach to casting and storytelling. These sources collectively reveal a highly competitive and strategic process aimed at revitalizing the iconic character for a new era.
How we got here
Following Daniel Craig's departure as James Bond, speculation has mounted over his successor. The new film, scheduled for 2027, will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight. The casting process has been highly secretive, with bookmakers and insiders narrowing down the list of contenders. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have controlled the franchise since the 1990s, now oversee the process under Amazon MGM Studios.
Go deeper
More on these topics