Casting has begun for the next James Bond, with a prestigious casting director reportedly leading the process.
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It has been almost five years since Daniel Craig’s exit from the series in 2021’s No Time To Die, but pre-production on the 26th 007 adventure is moving ahead. Denis Villeneuve (Dune) will be directing from a script by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), and now it has officially been announced that auditions will begin for the prestigious lead role.
An official statement from Bond owners Amazon MGM Studios said: “The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
Variety is also reporting that veteran casting director Nina Gold is overseeing the process. The Emmy and BAFTA Award winner is best known for her work on the shows Game Of Thrones and The Crown, while on the big screen she has been involved with the Star Wars, Jurassic World, and Marvel franchises, as well as Oscar winning dramas such as The Power Of The Dog and Hamnet.
The release date and plot details for Bond 26 are under wraps for the moment, but this will be the first movie with Amazon MGM’s creative control, after long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepped back last year.
Only six actors have played James Bond in the official film franchise: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. Some of the best young actors in Hollywood have been rumoured to join that list, with others distancing themselves.
Kingsman star Taron Egerton ruled himself out, saying last July that it would be “wasted” on him. Tom Holland has called the role “the pinnacle of our industry”, although reports say his Marvel contract may rule him out. Callum Turner is seen as a top contender for the part, although he refused to be drawn on the rumours.
Speculation is also rife about the singer of the next Bond theme, with Olivia Dean said to be the bookies’ favourite. Charli XCX ruled herself out, confessing: “I don’t think I am built for that”. Yungblud also pitched the idea of a collaboration with himself and the recently reformed Oasis.
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