James Bond bosses 'narrow down their shortlist to just THREE contenders' - but did your favourite make the cut?
James Bond bosses have reportedly narrowed down their shortlist to just three names, after a flurry of speculation.
It is believed that Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of Amazon's wish list, according to Variety.
Inside sources reportedly told the publication that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30.
And while Jacob, 28, is Australian, he is still believed to be in the running as fellow Aussie actor George Lazenby has previously played Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Amazing, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris for comment. Amazon declined to comment when contacted by Variety.
The studio announced on Wednesday that Denis Villeneuve - best known for directing Warner Bros.' two-part Dune adaptation - has signed on to direct the untitled film, via Amazon press release.
The French-Canadian filmmaker, 57, will also serve as executive producer of the project alongside Tanya Lapointe.
Amazon had previously set Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the film's producers, after the studio parted ways with longtime 007 caretakers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
The news comes just over three years after Amazon completed its massive $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios that included the James Bond franchise.
There hasn't been a new 007 film since 2021's No Time to Die, the final film with Daniel Craig as the beloved secret agent.
The director said in a statement, 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.'
He added, 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.'
The filmmaker admitted, 'This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.'
He also went on to thank Bond producers Amy and David, adding they, 'are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.'
The studio announced Wednesday that Denis Villeneuve - best known for directing Warner Bros.' two-part Dune adaptation - has signed on to direct the untitled film, via Amazon press release
Amy and David added, 'Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy.
'It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it's ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.'
After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Barbara and Michael, the offspring of original James Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli.
Barbara and Michael had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them.
Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara and Michael in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumored to be upwards of $1 billion.
Villeneuve made his directorial debut in 1998 with August 32nd on Earth, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival that year.
He followed that up with Maelstrom (2000), Polytechnique (2009) and Incendies (2010), the latter of which was nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards.
The filmmaker broke through in Hollywood with 2013's Prisoners, a dark drama starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.
He continued to win acclaim for 2013's Enemy, 2015's Sicario, 2016's Arrival, 2017's Blade Runner 2049 and, most recently, 2021's Dune: Part One and 2024's Dune: Part Two.
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