A Wicked New James Bond Favorite Just Emerged for ‘Bond 26’

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As a huge movie fan, I can tell you the buzz around who’s going to be the next James Bond in Amazon’s reboot is seriously intense. We’re probably going to be waiting a good while – likely well into next year – but the rumors just keep coming, and everyone’s placing bets on who the top contenders are to take on the 007 role.

Even though we don’t yet know who will be the next James Bond, several details about the 26th film in the series have been revealed. The director of acclaimed films like Dune and Blade Runner 2049, Denis Villeneuve, will direct, and Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay. Now, the search is on for the ideal actor to take on the role of 007, and a promising new talent may have emerged as a frontrunner.

Jonathan Bailey Is Climbing the 007 Rankings


Universal Pictures

When it comes to who the bookmakers think will be the next James Bond, actors like Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson (from 28 Years Later), and Theo James (The Gentlemen) are still leading the pack. However, a new contender has appeared: Regé-Jean Page. He first became famous for his role in the popular Netflix series Bridgerton, and has since gained even more recognition with parts in the Jurassic World movies and the upcoming film Wicked.

Jonathan Bailey, known for his work in theater and film, is now a strong contender for the role of James Bond, placing him among the top choices like Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Tom Hardy. Recent high-profile roles in the upcoming films Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World Rebirth have brought him back into the spotlight. Bailey has been mentioned as a possible Bond for some time, and he recently sparked further speculation with an ad campaign where he played a character nicknamed the “Martini Man” – a clear nod to James Bond’s famous drink order: a vodka martini, shaken, not stirred.

The English actor gained popularity as a romantic lead playing Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton. While he had a significant part in Jurassic World Rebirth, it’s unclear if he has the potential to be a leading action star. He’s also older than previously reported – he’s 37, but Amazon is said to be searching for someone in their twenties who could develop into the role over time.

Callum Turner Remains the Heavy Favorite for ‘James Bond 26’


A24

It’s up for discussion whether Jonathan Bailey would be a good James Bond – he’d probably play the role with a lighter, more playful touch like Roger Moore, though he might surprise us with hidden depth. However, he isn’t currently the top choice. That title still belongs to the star of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and Masters of the Air, who remains the frontrunner to be the next 007.

Unlike most other actors vying for the James Bond role, Turner isn’t currently tied to any major film franchises—though his recent lead role in Apple TV+’s Neuromancer might change that. According to a spokesperson for VegasInsider, who spoke with Time+Tide, here’s a closer look at his odds:

He wasn’t initially a top pick, but he’s steadily climbed the ranks and gained significant traction recently. Now, he’s the new favorite to be the next James Bond, with odds of +262, surpassing Aaron Taylor-Johnson. He seems to have everything the producers are looking for: he’s British, his career is blossoming, and he’s not yet a major star. This lack of pre-existing fame could be an advantage, as the Bond producers often prefer an actor who can develop into the role over someone who already has a well-defined public image.

Andy Jassy’s successor at Amazon is currently expected to be Andy Turner, but Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are still strong contenders. Taylor-Johnson is now in second place, and betting analysts note that this could change quickly – he’s previously lost and regained the top spot. Over the last three years, he’s been the most consistently favored candidate, spending more time as the frontrunner than anyone else.

Henry Cavill has been a strong contender for James Bond in the past, even being a frontrunner before Daniel Craig was cast in Casino Royale back in 2006. However, his chances now seem to be decreasing. Both Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be unexpected choices, as they are more well-known than the studio usually prefers for Bond, and both actors already have several major projects planned.

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2025-11-28 00:35