6

Aaron Pierre

Ever since his exceptional performance in Rebel Ridge last year, Aaron Pierre has consistently been at the top of the polls to lead the next James Bond movie. It’s hard to think of Pierre as “unknown” anymore, given how much he’s been discussed over the past year, but his existing catalog is fairly small compared with other candidates.

Rebel Ridge is one of Pierre’s only leading roles to date, as his other mainstream appearances have typically been supporting characters in projects like The Morning Show and Old. Rebel Ridge proved that he’s got the natural charisma and sharp physicality to lead an action movie similar to James Bond – so why not James Bond itself?

5

Lucien Laviscount

Lucien Laviscount is one of the more recent entries into the James Bond contest, but he quickly seems to be turning into a favorite among fans. His young age and small filmography make him a perfect candidate for Villeneuve’s “fresh face” approach, and his breakout role in Emily in Paris immediately sold him as the perfect 007.

Laviscount will return to Emily in Paris as a series regular in the future, which could hinder his chances of landing this demanding role – but this may not be a problem, as it could be a while before Bond 26 enters production anyway. The most recent reports suggest Villeneuve is waiting until Dune 3 is finished before filming (via ᴅᴇᴀᴅline).

4

Leo Woodall

Another recent entry to the contest, Leo Woodall first became a serious contender to play James Bond following his appearance in Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy earlier this year. He’d appeared in several mainstream projects before, but this was his first time playing such a charismatic leading man – and he clearly left an impression.

At 29 years old, Woodall is one of the youngest actors in the conversation for James Bond, but this could prove to be an advantage. As mentioned, Amazon will be looking for somebody who can carry the franchise into the future – and Woodall’s career is currently in the perfect spot to make that happen.

Many fans have also theorized that Bond 26 will be a “Young Bond” story, following the early years of the spy’s career as he works his way up the ranks and earns his 007 тιтle. A younger actor like Woodall could make this a very feasible and encouraging possibility.

3

Archie Madekwe

Archie Madekwe has really proven himself to be a fascinating actor in recent years, but it still feels like he’s waiting for that “big break” that could push him to the superstardom he deserves. After supporting roles in Saltburn, Midsommar, and Voyagers, Villeneuve’s Bond sequel could be the movie that finally gives him that chance.

Although Madekwe has plenty of impressive credits to his name, he’s still young enough and early enough into his career that he wouldn’t feel out of place as an “unknown” Bond candidate. His recent turn in Lurker was the performance that sealed the deal for many fans, as he’s really beginning to come into his own as an actor.

2

David Jonsson

David Jonsson’s career seems to be on an upward trajectory like no other. From his scene-stealing role in HBO’s Industry, to his recognition with the BAFTA Rising Star Award earlier this year, Jonsson clearly has something big lined up in his future. James Bond could absolutely be that for him.

David Jonsson would be an excellent James Bond, and it would feel like a very natural progression for his career at the moment. He’s got experience leading Hollywood blockbusters like Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk, but this franchise comes with the weight of legacy and inheritance that clearly places it higher on the ladder.

1

Damson Idris

While it’s hard to think of somebody who shared the screen with Brad Pitt as “unknown”, Idris admittedly doesn’t have that many credits to his name. His roles in Black Mirror and Outside the Wire weren’t as star-making as the actor surely hoped, but Bond could finally propel him to that level of success.

James Bond

Created by

Ian Fleming, Albert R. Broccoli

First Film

Dr. No

Latest Film

No Time to Die

Upcoming Films

James Bond 26

Genres

Action

First TV Show

Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond

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