Bond 26 has officially entered the early stages of production, with Denis Villeneuve attached to direct and Steven Knight responsible for the screenplay. However, we’re still no closer to knowing who the next James Bond actor will be.

The question has loomed over the project ever since Daniel Craig’s departure in No Time to Die, with several rumored names circulating over the years. These have included A-list celebrities like Tom Holland and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but many audiences are more eager to see a lesser-known talent step into the British spy’s shoes.

Amazon’s reported criteria for the next James Bond candidate suggest that the studio is looking for a young man in their early thirties, and preferably a household name who would carry the franchise’s torch for many years to come. Thankfully, one brilliant candidate has just entered the race following their standout turn in The Long Walk.

David Jonsson Would Be An Excellent James Bond

David Jonsson may not quite be the A-lister that Amazon is looking for, but the Hollywood star is building a solid repertoire of studio blockbusters that continue to prove how great he would be in this role. Whether it’s Alien: Romulus or The Long Walk, Jonsson always delivers layered, rich work that bears all the signature charisma of Ian Fleming’s spy.

The Long Walk is arguably Jonsson’s best work to date, and that’s no small statement. He constantly walks the line between big-budget blockbusters and smaller, prestigious indie movies (such as the ever-underrated Rye Lane), proving that he’s adaptable and versatile enough to fit neatly into Amazon’s new James Bond franchise.

Jonsson was even named BAFTA’s “Rising Star” in 2025, a prestigious award that’s been offered to names such as Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, and Tom Holland in the early days of their careers. He’s clearly a name to watch out for, and James Bond is the perfect franchise to build upon his already growing success.

If Amazon is brave enough to offer this legacy role to somebody slightly lesser-known than the names that were initially mentioned in their shortlist, Jonsson is the perfect choice. He’s incredibly charming, endlessly talented, and continues to build his career in a strong and ambitious direction.

There have been some interesting discussions about potentially bringing a female James Bond on board for Villeneuve’s upcoming sequel, but this still feels like a very risky choice that audiences may not rally around. Jonsson is a safer, more traditional pick, and only growing in popularity with every pᴀssing year.

The actor also fits all the technical criteria that audiences will be expecting in the new James Bond. He’s 32 years old, British, and in great physical shape to handle all the energetic stunts and combat. We don’t know too much about Denis Villeneuve’s vision for Bond 26, but it would be surprising if Jonsson didn’t fit the bill.