Who will be the new James Bond? Decision expected by the end of the year

Who will be the new James Bond? The question has been bothering fans, media and betting offices for years. Now the search seems to be on the home stretch. A first draft of the script is available. And producer Amy Pascal expects the seventh 007 actor to be confirmed before the end of the year. It is questionable whether it will be one of the names currently being discussed.

First draft of the script apparently finished

Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”) has long been confirmed as the director of the first James Bond film since Amazon took over the franchise. The script is written by “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, who also designed the new Oasis film and has therefore given many interviews these days.

When “GHR” host Zoe Ball asked him if the first draft of the Bond script was ready, Knight said: “I silently nod.” BBC presenters had previously tried to elicit from him whether he knew the actor. Although Knight deftly evaded it, reports subsequently emerged that the decision had been made.

An interview by Gary Oldman made headlines. He had heard that the next 007 had been decided, said Oldman and suggested that it could be his “Slow Horses” colleague Jack Lowden. He later clarified that he didn't know who it would be. He hopes for Lowden.

The casting director Nina Gold, who worked for several "Star Wars" films and the series "The Crown", is supposed to find the right actor - ideally young, British and suitable to embody the famous secret agent for many years. That fits the 36-year-old Lowden - and countless others.

Many names have been in conversation for years

Even before Daniel Craig completed his last mission in “No Time to Die” (2021), many names were circulating. Some were even reported as fixed. The infamous tabloid “The Sun” reported in 2022 that the famous opening sequence in which 007 shoots into the camera was filmed with Aaron Taylor-Johnson. That was fictional.

The paper cited alleged insiders who conveniently remain anonymous. Every media outlet quotes its own insiders week after week and launches new rumors that get clicks and spread extremely quickly - even in reputable media. In addition, there are betting providers who generate headlines with their odds for bond candidates.

Presumably one or two PR agents will also help out and bring their client's name into play. Because whoever is considered the next James Bond will receive a lot of media attention.

Decision by the end of the year

Recent reports that a “shortlist” of six candidates has been determined read like a summary of speculation from the past few years. One can assume that many media outlets take over the rumors from each other without checking and that they are becoming increasingly independent.

The only name on the list that makes you sit up and take notice is the comparatively unknown Jack Barton, whom “Page Six” names as the top candidate. But industry insider Jeff Sneider believes Barton was brought in specifically to distract from the real favorites - or to test public reaction.

According to Matthew Belloni, all previous names are “nonsense”; the decision is open. The former editor-in-chief of the “Hollywood Reporter” wrote in his “Puck” media newsletter that preliminary contracts are currently being sent to candidates before they are invited to test shoots. Such “test deals” regulate key points such as fees, options for follow-up films, availability and future obligations - a basic legal framework so that there is no need to renegotiate after the 007 election.

Brosnan wishes new 007 all the best

Incidentally, the name Daniel Craig first appeared in connection with James Bond in 2004. In July and September 2005 he completed screen tests in which, among others, the later “Superman” actor Henry Cavill took part. In October 2005, Craig was officially introduced as the sixth James Bond. To date, 72 names have been traded, writes the official James Bond Facebook page.

His predecessor Pierce Brosnan received the role in 1986, but had to forego it due to contractual obligations for the TV series “Remington Steele”. In 1994 he got a second chance. Like Craig, Brosnan is still often asked about Bond to this day. “I have no idea,” he said at the premiere of his gangster series “Mobland.” «I'm looking forward to seeing the man. And I wish him all the best."