With Dune mastermind Denis Villeneuve confirmed as director for Bond 26 and Amazon now steering the franchise for the first time, we’ve officially entered a new era of 007, one that’s younger, sleeker, and likely more prestige-driven than ever.
But now comes the billion-dollar question: who’s going to wear the tux?
Insiders say Amazon wants a British actor under 30 who can grow into the role for the long haul. That narrows the field dramatically, and puts Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson at the top of the shortlist.
So let’s break down each candidate, not just from a fan POV, but from a strategic lens on how studios are casting legacy IP in the streaming age.
Jacob Elordi
Age: 28
Nationality: Australian (but that didn’t stop George Lazenby)
From Euphoria to Saltburn, Elordi has shed his teen rom-com skin and emerged as a brooding, enigmatic leading man. He’s tall, statuesque, and dripping in the kind of tortured charisma that Villeneuve loves.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect aesthetic fit: tall, dark, mysterious | Lacks major action credentials |
| Already proven his range in high-profile dramas | Aussie passport may not excite British traditionalists |
| His rising-star momentum is undeniable | Tabloid-ready persona could distract from the role |
If Villeneuve wants Bond as a cerebral slow-burn with smoldering intensity, Elordi’s his guy.
Tom Holland
Age: 29
Nationality: British
He’s already one of the most bankable actors in the world, and he’s openly expressed his desire to play Bond, including pitching a young 007 origin story to Sony. With Spider-Man winding down and The Crowded Room showing he can handle drama, Holland is positioned as a mass-appeal megastar.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instantly recognizable global star | Typecast as Peter Parker…could audiences see past that? |
| Already has franchise experience | At 5’7″, he’s not the towering Bond of old |
| British, charming, and quick with a quip | Less grit, more golden retriever energy |
If Amazon wants a commercially safe Bond with franchise crossover power, Holland’s a no-brainer. But if they want menace and mystery? He’s a harder sell.
Harris Dickinson
Age: 29
Nationality: British
An indie darling with serious dramatic chops, Dickinson made waves in Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness, and Babygirl. He’s the critics’ pick: handsome, versatile, and quietly magnetic.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| British and grounded in character-first roles | Lower public profile than the others |
| A blank slate with real acting gravitas | Hasn’t done a major action role yet |
| Stylish and serious without being overexposed | May lack the instant blockbuster pull Amazon wants |
If Amazon sees Bond as a prestige property to build, not cash in on instantly, Dickinson could be a long-term play. Think Daniel Craig before Casino Royale.
Why It Matters Who They Cast
This isn’t just about who has the best smirk or tightest tux fit. It’s about Amazon’s long-term strategy for legacy IP. They’re rebooting Bond during a streaming content arms race, and they need someone who can headline for a decade.
Choosing someone under 30 signals:
- A serialized future for Bond (think “Bond Begins”)
- A push for long-term fan loyalty and character development
- A move away from the one-and-done prestige actor model
Beyond casting, this is franchise engineering.
What Indie Filmmakers Should Learn From This
Amazon’s handling of Bond reflects broader trends indie creators need to watch:
| Prestige meets IP | Auteur directors are being brought into tentpole franchises (Villeneuve on Bond, Jenkins on Star Wars, Nolan once eyed for 007.) |
| Casting as storytelling | The actor shapes the tone, genre, and arc of the franchise. |
| Legacy IP is evolving | Studios are building more universes than single films. Cast young, build lore, extend longevity. |
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