New James Bond report reveals 5 conditions for the next 007 actor

The next James Bond hasn’t been cast… yet, but whenever Denis Villeneuve chooses the next 007, he’ll need to fit some very specific criteria.

Daniel Craig’s tenure as cinema’s most iconic secret agent closed with a hail of missiles; in the end, there was Time to Die.

That was nearly four years ago, and we’re no further forward on finding someone else to don the tux. There have been other developments, like Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson relinquishing creative control to Amazon, Villeneuve being tapped to direct Bond 26, and Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight being hired to write the script.

There has been a lot of speculation about who’ll play Bond; will they be British, could they be Black, will it be Henry Cavill (sorry, but it won’t be)? Now, we have a small indication of what to expect.

New James Bond actor hoped to be young “unknown” British male

MGM

As per Deadline, Villeneuve’s search for the new Bond will kick into a higher gear when he wraps on Dune Part 3 next year. They’re looking for a “fresh face” to take on the mantle, so don’t expect a star that’s too famous.

He will also be male, British, and in his late twenties or early thirties. “Whoever it is has to look like he could kill you with his bare hands in a trice. From the moment you see him, that has to be readily apparent,” a source close to discussions told the outlet.

So, Tom Holland is probably out. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Slow Horses star Jack Lowden may be slightly too old by the time the movie begins production in 2027 (all things going to plan). If you’re still hoping to see Idris Elba (53) or Tom Hardy (47) as Bond, feel free to keep dreaming – but that’s all it will ever be, as they’ve aged out of the role.

Deadline also speculated that Knight and Villeneuve may explore Bond’s origins as a Royal Navy Commander, leading into his MI6 career.

As for whether or not Bond could be played by a non-white actor, “he could, came the reply,” from the outlet’s source. “As always, well, nearly always, it’ll come down to this: Are they right for Bond?” they added.

“Every name you’ve heard of, and many you’ve never heard of. We’ve been flooded. But understand that the casting process has not begun and it won’t until Denis finishes the Dune movie.”

In the meantime, find out what else is dropping this year with our 2025 movie calendar and check out our list of the best action movies of all time.