James Bond producer Amy Pascal has revealed that the next actor to replace Daniel Craig as 007 will be 'really different', offering fans a glimpse into the future of the iconic spy franchise. In an interview with Deadline, Pascal, who took creative control of the series alongside David Heyman after Amazon MGM Studios acquired full control from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson in February 2025, said a casting announcement could come by the end of the year.
What did Amy Pascal say about the next Bond?
Pascal, known for her work on the Spider-Man franchise, told Deadline: 'I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical.' When asked about the qualities they are looking for in the chosen actor, 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.'
Since Craig's final outing as Bond in 2021's No Time to Die, speculation has been rife about who will take on the role, with names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner, and Louis Partridge frequently mentioned. However, Pascal's comments suggest that the producers are taking their time to find the perfect fit.
Bond 26: Villeneuve and Knight on board
In June 2025, it was announced that Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Dune, would direct Bond 26, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the script. Broccoli expressed her support for Villeneuve, telling critic Mark Kermode on the Kermode on Film podcast: 'He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it.'
Villeneuve, a self-proclaimed 'die-hard' Bond fan, called the franchise 'sacred territory' and reassured fans: 'I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.' He is currently finishing post-production on Dune: Part Three, which is set for a December release.
Auditions and contenders
Reports suggest that the next round of Bond auditions was scheduled for August 2026, with sources claiming that between 5 and 7 actors are still in the frame, though some say the number could stretch into the teens. Casting director Nina Gold has reportedly been meeting with actors, including lesser-known names, to ensure the list is comprehensive.
One actor who has been linked is 26-year-old British theatre star Tom Francis, who won an Olivier Award and was nominated for a Tony for his role opposite Nicole Scherzinger in the revival of Sunset Boulevard. Other names in contention include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Louis Partridge, who at 23 would be the youngest ever Bond.
Partridge, speaking to Metro in June for the release of Enola Holmes 3, kept his cards close to his chest, saying: 'I don’t know what direction they want to take with it, but I think James Bond is awesome and I think every man wants to play James Bond. And if they say they don’t, they’re lying! But we shall see, on that front.'
Odds and timeline
Ladbrokes currently lists Callum Turner as the favourite at 6/4, followed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, and Jack Lowden at 6/1, and Leo Suter at 10/1. Given the early pre-production stages, fans may have to wait until at least 2028 to see the next film.
