‘Please find the new James Bond in Piccadilly Circus’: Fans react to major update

Could the next James Bond be a complete unknown? (Picture: Getty/Shutterstock)

Amazon MGM Studios has announced the ‘search for the next James Bond’ has officially begun and fans, understandably, have strong opinions.

The speculation over the next 007 has been rife for years, ever since Daniel Craig put down his martini glass in 2021.

Every British actor from Callum Turner to Idris Elba has been rumoured for the coveted job, as well as a few international stars like Jacob Elordi.

Finally, it seems that Amazon MGM Studios is ready to begin searching for the new face of the decades-old franchise, which will likely be no easy task.

‘The search for the next James Bond is underway,’ the studio wrote on social media. ‘While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.’

While some familiar faces will undoubtedly be in the mix – yes, we’re talking about Aaron Taylor-Johnson – fans are begging for the casting team to look at unknown actors.

Amazon MGM Studios are officially searching for the new 007 (Picture: X)

‘I want it to be someone who I’ve barely, if ever, heard of,’ pleaded writer Richard Newby on X. ‘Someone plucked out of Piccadilly Circus or found in the backlots of the BBC eating mushy peas for lunch.’

Marianne replied: ‘Daniel Craig was relatively unknown and he’s one of the best to ever do it, so I agree.’

‘Maybe I’m old school, but I would love someone new or not as popular to play 007 and I would really like them to be British,’ added Ladybug_Couture.

‘If they are going for an older Bond then id go with Cavill or Theo James. If they are looking for younger, someone completely fresh,’ said Chris Simonyan.

As Paula D simply put, ‘None of the usual suspects please.’

Of course, fans were still calling for the ‘usual suspects’ with Henry Cavill’s name cropping up frequently across the board.

Bookies are less keen on the Man of Steel, with Ladbrokes putting him at 16/1 despite the fan enthusiasm online.

They’re also keeping an eye on potential wild cards, offering 5/2 odds that the next suave spy will be someone outside of the big names.

‘The race to replace Daniel Craig is more wide-open than ever, and while Callum Turner continues to lead the way, the odds suggest an unknown name could well get the gig,’ Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati told Metro.

Dua Lipa’s fiancé, Callum Turner, is still the favourite with 6/5 odds, with Jacob Elordi at 5/1 and Sinners’ Jack O’Connell at 8/1.

Harris Dickinson has had a big jump in odds and is now the second favourite behind Callum at 3/1.

It wouldn’t be Bond odds if ATJ didn’t get a mention and the Bullet Train actor is holding firm at 9/1, although fans are less convinced with each passing year.

Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond is a tough act to follow (Picture: ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)

As casting is only just beginning, it’s thought 007 will take his longest break ever, with a potential seven-year gap between films.

‘Bond won’t be back until 2028,’ a source told The Sun previously. ‘The production mindset’s gone from “Let’s hurry this through” to “Make sure we get this right”.’

Part of this delay comes from the involvement of Dune director Denis Villeneuve and his previous commitments.

‘Denis wanted a long break after Dune 3 and has some broad ideas on the script. Steven will get on with drafts, before they map out the final version. That’ll take at least the whole summer,’ the source shared.

The insider added: ‘Realistically, if they can make January 2027 work for pre-production, then that will be a success.’

After Daniel’s 15-year 007 stint, whoever lands the hottest role in Hollywood will likely be expected to sign up for several years, so Amazon will want to make sure they make the right choice.

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