James Bond 25: Exclusive Auditions Underway for the Next 007

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Amazon MGM Studios has officially launched the search for the next actor to portray James Bond, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic spy franchise after Daniel Craig’s final outing in No Time to Die (2021). The auditions, announced on May 14, 2026, come as the studio prepares to produce the next film under its new ownership, with Denis Villeneuve set to direct.

The casting process is being overseen by Nina Gold, a veteran casting director best known for her work on major franchises including Game of Thrones, The Crown, and the Star Wars series, where she cast Daisy Ridley as Rey in The Force Awakens. While Amazon MGM Studios has declined to share specific details about the auditions, the studio confirmed in a statement that “the search for the next James Bond is underway.”

“We don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, but we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right,” the studio said.

The search for the next James Bond is underway.

Amazon MGM Studios, May 14, 2026

The announcement follows Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022, which brought the franchise under the tech giant’s entertainment arm. The next Bond film will be the first under Amazon MGM Studios, with Villeneuve—known for his visually striking, character-driven approach—attached to direct. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, who have overseen the franchise since Craig’s debut in Casino Royale (2006), will return for the project.

Who Has Played Bond Before?

The role of James Bond has been portrayed by seven actors since the franchise’s debut in 1962:

• Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971): The original Bond, appearing in seven films including Dr. No and Goldfinger.
• David Niven (1967): Played Bond in Casino Royale (non-Fleming novel).
• George Lazenby (1969): Starred in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
• Roger Moore (1973–1985): Appeared in 12 films, including The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
• Timothy Dalton (1987–1989): Played Bond in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
• Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002): Starred in four films, beginning with GoldenEye.
• Daniel Craig (2006–2021): The most recent Bond, appearing in five films, including Skyfall and No Time to Die, which grossed nearly $800 million worldwide.

What Comes Next?

With auditions now underway, fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see who steps into the legendary role. The casting process is expected to take months, with Gold’s experience in handling high-profile franchises suggesting a meticulous approach to selecting the next 007.

While no official timeline for the film’s release has been announced, the project is poised to be a major event in the entertainment industry, given the franchise’s global appeal and cultural significance. Villeneuve’s involvement, in particular, has generated excitement, with his previous work—such as Dune and Blade Runner 2049—suggesting a fresh, visually ambitious direction for the series.

The search for the next Bond also raises questions about the franchise’s future. With Craig’s era concluding, the casting of a new actor could signal a shift in tone, style, or even the character’s backstory—though Amazon MGM has not yet hinted at any major changes.

For now, the focus remains on the auditions, where actors will need to prove they have the charisma, physicality, and gravitas to carry the mantle of one of cinema’s most enduring icons.