Who Could Be the Next James Bond? 4 Actors and the Roles That Make Their Case

The next James Bond film is on the horizon. Ever since Amazon MGM Studios officially announced that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next installment of the iconic action-thriller franchiseFranchiseA series of films, shows, or games built around shared characters and a shared universe, often spanning many sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. Franchises dominate box offices and streaming, and theirGo to Franchise Glossary, several names have emerged as potential candidates to step into 007’s iconic tuxedo.

As final screen tests continue, four actors have found themselves as possible contenders for the role of the martini-drinking spy we all know and love (shaken, not stirred, of course). While we nervously await the official casting announcement, GQ Philippines looks back at each actor’s résumé and the roles that make their case for becoming the next James Bond.

Jack Lowden

Let’s start with a rumored Bond who’s already played a spy. Jack Lowden earned his credentials as River Cartwright in Slow Horses, an ambitious, bruised agent forever one mistake from disaster. While his hapless espionage makes for an entertaining role in the series, it may not be convincing enough to withstand the colossal pressure of playing Bond.

Where Lowden makes a stronger case is in 2017’s Dunkirk, where he plays a Spitfire pilot who stays calm even when everything is falling apart around him. In the original novels, Ian Fleming gave James Bond a backstory that closely mirrored real World War II intelligence operatives, bringing Lowden closer to the character’s blueprint.

He also has an early vote of confidence from Gary Oldman, who made waves after saying the next Bond has been selected. Oldman has previously voiced his support for his Slow Horses co-star, but Lowden himself calls the attention “all very flattering” without adding much else to the speculation.

Callum Turner

Callum Turner has a lot of similarities to Lowden; both have played wartime heroes, and both are getting support from fellow co-stars. However, Turner has one advantage up his sleeve.

Turner has reportedly picked up an endorsement from former Bond Pierce Brosnan, who starred in four films in the franchise: GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day. If that’s not enough to sell you, his best proof comes from the 2024 series Masters of the Air, where he plays a wartime airman with the discipline and quiet authority that the modern-day James Bond calls for. 

Lowden has the underdog spirit to overcome a big villain, but Turner has the look and dry wit that suggest he’s already in charge. And if his red carpetRed CarpetThe ceremonial walkway at premieres and award shows where celebrities pose for photographers, and by extension the high-profile fashion on display there. Red carpet looks set menswear trends, as actorsGo to Red Carpet Glossary looks are anything to go by, he also knows his way around proper tailoring, which we can certainly get behind.

Josh O’Connor

If charisma is the priority, O’Connor is the pick. In Challengers, he plays a charismatic yet selfish tennis player who owns every room he walks into, which is already half of what Bond does before guns start blazing. His run as Prince Charles in The Crown shows he can carry a fine suit, while his work in films like Wake Up Dead Man proves he can take on a larger-than-life leading role.

Rumors are swirling around him, including one pub anecdote claiming that he confirmed he had landed the role to his Golden Boy castmates. It may still be hearsay, but I’m not complaining if he ever dons the 007 mantle.

Robert Pattinson

And the wildcard goes to our favorite “Gen Z” actor Robert Pattinson, who reportedly underwent screen tests in October. He has already put himself through a spy-thriller test run with Tenet, where he plays a sharp, unflappable operative in a very good suit. He also proves in Batman that he has the chops to carry a major franchiseFranchiseA series of films, shows, or games built around shared characters and a shared universe, often spanning many sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. Franchises dominate box offices and streaming, and theirGo to Franchise Glossary on his shoulders.

Anyone still doubting his acting range should look no further than Mickey 17, where he plays two clones of himself with two distinct personalities. He has also built a reputation for taking on intense, unconventional roles, as seen in Good Time and The Lighthouse.

Pattinson as Bond could either be a significant challenge for the actor or offer a completely different interpretation of the character. Both outcomes will be interesting to see on the silver screen. Either way, he’s the contender with the most to prove and the most to offer.