MOVIE NEWS – It is now widely believed that Amazon will finally reveal who will step into the shoes of James Bond in 2026, perfectly lining up with the franchise’s 26th official mission. With that in mind, a familiar favorite has surged back to the top of the betting charts as the most likely successor to Daniel Craig, who bowed out of the role in explosive fashion in 2021’s No Time to Die. And according to many, he would absolutely own the part.
Four years have passed since Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007, and in that time the rumor mill has gone into overdrive regarding who might inherit the iconic role. According to the latest odds from Betway, 28 Years Later star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reclaimed the number one spot. The Kraven the Hunter and Kick-Ass actor currently sits at impressive 2/1 odds, making him the clear favorite to don the tuxedo and order a shaken-not-stirred martini in Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming Bond reboot.
Taylor-Johnson has hovered near the top of the shortlist several times over the years, with speculation intensifying after he signed a deal in May with Omega, the franchise’s long-standing official watchmaker. The Bullet Train actor has even addressed the rumors himself, though his carefully evasive answers have only added fuel to the fire. Still, there are a few hurdles standing in his way.
What Could Keep Aaron Taylor-Johnson From Becoming James Bond?
Despite being the current favorite ahead of any official announcement, several factors could count against Aaron Taylor-Johnson. At 35, he is older than the “young” Bond the studio is reportedly seeking, and his résumé already includes a number of high-profile roles, making him less of the clean-slate introduction that often defines a new era for the franchise. Even so, few would argue against his suitability for the role.
Elsewhere in the betting, The Gentlemen star Theo James and MCU favorite Idris Elba trail with odds of 5/1. Close behind are Rebel Ridge actor Aaron Pierre and Fantastic Beasts alumnus Callum Turner at 6/1, the latter having previously been labeled a “red-hot favorite.” Other names still in contention include Slow Horses standout Jack Lowden, former Superman and long-time fan favorite Henry Cavill, King and Conqueror lead James Norton, and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery actor John O’Connor.
As for James Bond 26, details remain tightly under wraps, exactly as one would expect. However, as 2026 approaches, official announcements from Amazon are anticipated. What is already confirmed is that Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve will helm the project from a script penned by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Villeneuve has described the opportunity as deeply personal, saying: “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are tied to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, starting with Dr. No and Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, this is sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition while opening the door to many new missions. It’s an enormous responsibility, but also incredibly exciting and a tremendous honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
Source: MovieWeb
