What do you do when you’re in a long-term relationship and your significant other leaves you? How do you find someone new? How do you keep the same spark alive for years?
It’s a big question that many people have asked themselves at one point or another in their lives. And now, it’s one that James Bond fans are asking themselves as well. With Daniel Craig stepping away from his role as 007 after filming No Time to Die, everyone is wondering: Who will take over?
And the answer could be more precise. Many British actors with a certain level of fame may be interested in playing the iconic character, but plenty of others could also fit the bill. The field will only get more crowded as time goes on.
Fans are now looking to Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the longtime guardians of the Bond franchise, for answers concerning the character’s future direction, with No Time to Die far behind us and our question growing more urgent. But, unfortunately, it can take a while before we get answers—and even once we get them—they may not be what we expect! For example, when asked in 2021 if they had chosen a candidate to take Daniel Craig’s position, Broccoli responded, “Oh, God no.
We’re not even considering it. We want Daniel to enjoy his moment of joy. The following year, we’ll begin to consider the future. Guess what? The year is 2023! So let’s check in on the hunt for the next James Bond, secret spies.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the most recent name in the 007 competition.
We’re thrilled to announce that our 007 breakrooms are buzzing with activity. Today, we learned that Aaron Taylor-Johnson, aka Kraven the Hunter, will be taking on the iconic role of James Bond in 2023!
Matthew Belloni from The Hollywood Reporter shared some information from the 007 breakrooms: “The meeting went well. We sat down with him, and he said he liked their work. He thinks it’s going to be great. He fits the younger direction they want to go.”
Taylor-Johnson is currently seen in a few movies but only a little else. However, Matthew Belloni told us that his fame is growing rapidly: “He fits the younger direction they want to go.” It sounds like this might become ironic, too: “He may become too renowned to take on Bond this year.” But we will know if our spies in the 007 breakrooms find out more information!
Henry Golding
Henry Golding is also in the competition of 007.
The dreamboat British-Malaysian has a good chance of becoming the first Asian Bond. When questioned about the rumors by British Vogue, he responded with customary modesty: “Even to be in that conversation, it’s an honor, but it’s out of my hands.”
As for whether he would be willing to take on the role, he replied: “I definitely want to do it. I’d be excited about it.”
Regé-Jean Page
If you’re a British heartthrob and your name is Page, the chances are high that you’ll be the next James Bond.
British actor Page experienced a spectacular rise to stardom with his breakout role in Netflix’s Bridgerton, which inevitably led to Bond rumors. But if you think Page will win this race, don’t get your hopes up; he claims everything you’ve heard about Bond is gossip.
On The Tonight Show, Page observed, “I think there might be an aspect of cultural translation to be done here. “If you’re a Brit and do anything well-known or well-regarded by the public, people start calling you the ‘B’ word. Like a merit badge, really. The “B” word merit badge is yours. I’m ecstatic to receive the badge. I’m happy to be surrounded by such lovely badge holders. However, it’s a badge.
When asked about the allegations again months later, Page made the quip, “Yeah, that gets clicks.” He continued that it has nothing to do with me, no connection to anything that has transpired in any rooms or meetings.