James Bond producers have finally offered fans a long-awaited update on the future of the iconic spy franchise, confirming that the search for the next 007 is officially underway.
In a statement shared by Amazon MGM Studios, the company revealed that casting discussions are ongoing following Daniel Craig’s departure from the role after 2021’s No Time To Die.
View this post on Instagram
“The search for the next James Bond is underway,” the statement read.
“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.”
The announcement marks the clearest indication yet that work is progressing behind the scenes on the 26th Bond film following a major shake-up within the franchise.
Pierce Brosnan starred as James Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002. Artvak Film, Shutterstock
Last year, long-time Bond custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson handed over creative control of the series to Amazon MGM Studios, ending more than 30 years of direct oversight by the Broccoli family.
The studio was formed after Amazon acquired Bond’s parent company MGM in 2022, paving the way for a new era of 007 films.
According to reports, auditions for the coveted role have already begun, with acclaimed casting director Nina Gold helping lead the search for Craig’s successor.
Gold is best known for her work on major productions including Game of Thrones, The Crown, several Star Wars films and The Martian. She also famously cast Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Denis Villeneuve is a widely recognized filmmaker, for Dune, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Sicario and more. Kathy Hutchins, Shutterstock
The next Bond film is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival and Sicario, suggesting a potentially darker and more atmospheric direction for the franchise.
Meanwhile, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is reportedly attached to write the screenplay, while producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are overseeing the project.
Speculation over who will inherit Bond’s famous Walther PPK has intensified in recent months, with names such as Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Henry Cavill, Harris Dickinson and Cillian Murphy all linked to the role.
Among the names generating attention is Barry Keoghan, although the Dublin actor recently appeared to distance himself from the idea of becoming Bond.
“(James Bond is) an iconic role and a lot of weight and pressure comes with that,” Keoghan said when asked about the speculation.
“It’s nice to see your name go up there, but I don’t think I fit the criteria for James Bond.”
Instead, the Oscar-nominated actor admitted he would rather play one of Bond’s enemies.
“I’d rather come in and do the villain. The man teasing Bond, that’s more me.”
Keoghan’s comments have only added to the growing fascination surrounding the next phase of the franchise, with many fans believing the new Bond could take the series in a very different direction.
Callum Turner has starred in 'Masters of the Air' with Barry Keoghan and Austin Butler. DFree, Shutterstock
Current bookmakers’ favourite Callum Turner has also seen speculation intensify in recent months, with reports claiming he has emerged as the leading contender to replace Craig.
Adding further intrigue, rumours have suggested that Turner’s partner, pop superstar Dua Lipa, could potentially record the next Bond theme song if he lands the role.
Meanwhile, another major British music name has also entered the conversation.
Following the huge success of their 2025 reunion tour, Oasis are reportedly among the acts being considered for the next Bond theme song, with Noel Gallagher openly admitting he would love to be involved.
Speaking recently, Gallagher said writing a Bond theme would be a “huge honour”, joking that the role should stay in British hands rather than going to “the Yanks”.
He also revealed he had previously written songs inspired by Bond films and even joked about appearing in the movie himself as a “Mancunian villain”.
With casting now officially underway and a powerhouse creative team assembling behind the scenes, anticipation is continuing to build around what could become one of the most significant reinventions in Bond history.
