The top choice so far for the next 007 — from buzz to fans

James Bond isn’t just a movie character; he’s more than the character. When Eon Productions eventually names the next 007, people will want style, toughness, and a face who can carry both quiet menace and charm. Below, here are the five actors we picked, and why each could (or might not) be the next Bond. According to recent reports and interviews, the notes here are grounded in what’s actually been said about them.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill always feels like a perfect fit for the Bond role. The 42-year-old actor has the perfect 007 personality; from height to build, he’s the go-to choice to portray James Bond in the upcoming 007 movie.

He’s famous for his roles in Superman and The Witcher; he’s been linked to Bond talk for years. Moreover, fans expect that Cavill would play the role with confidence, elegantly and effortlessly, due to his previous experience in spy movies like Mission Impossible Fallout, The Cold Light of Day, and Argylle; he knows how to sell stunts without losing the character underneath. If producers want a Bond who’s physically convincing and more familiar to audiences, Cavill is an obvious name.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson brings something a little darker. He first made waves in smaller, scrappier roles and then moved into bigger franchises. He’s shown range: he can be funny, scary, or quietly intense depending on the script. In recent years, he has repeatedly been named in casting chatter for 007 and even linked in some scoop reports as a frontrunner at times. Due to his brilliant acting, charming appearance, and spy looks, he’s considered the number one contender to portray the Bond role, as per the reports.

Theo James

Theo James is an interesting option, now an under-the-radar pick. He’s got leading-man looks and has starred in action and drama projects that let him show both charm and seriousness. More importantly, he’s grown into roles where he’s the quiet center of a story, exactly what sometimes makes a Bond believable. Lately, commentators and fan pieces have floated his name as a great match for a stylish, modern 007. If producers want someone who can be charming without being showy, Theo is worth a look.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy is different from the rest, and that’s why his name keeps coming up. He’s praised for intense acting in Peaky Blinders as Thomas Shelby, and movies like Oppenheimer.

Jacob Elordi

Jacob Elordi is the youngest name on the list, and that’s part of his appeal. He’s got the modern, Gen-Z star vibe, stylish, magnetic, and already drawing attention in prestige films and TV. He has reacted to Bond rumors with interest and surprise in interviews, which suggests he’s aware of the talk and doesn’t dismiss it.

If the franchise wants to aim at a younger crowd and reboot Bond toward a leaner, more contemporary hero, Jacob could be the face for that move.

Recent industry pieces and fan lists even place Gen-Z options like Elordi on early shortlists.

Eon requirement for the Bond role

A few practical things: age, appearance, range, how well they sell stunts, and whether people can imagine them handling Bond’s emotional weight. There’s also the creative direction: do the producers want a classic Bond, a rougher, modern spy, or a reinvention that shakes up what 007 means? That is the real key. An actor who fits one vision might be wrong for another.

Final Thoughts

According to many fans, Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are the “safe” picks for a Bond who’s all muscle and screen presence. Cillian Murphy and Jacob Elordi represent the franchise’s potential to change tone, deeper or younger. Theo James sits in the middle: quietly right for a handsome, modern spy. No matter who it is, Eon has a big job: honoring 007’s history while keeping him interesting for today. When they finally decide, it’ll be a choice about style as much as casting.

And finally, fans can hope, but casting is about timing, schedules, and a meeting between the actor’s strengths and the script’s needs.