Who is the next James Bond? Could Theo James or Aaron Taylor-Johnson be next 007 after Daniel Craig?

Bond, James Bond lovers around the world think this actor may be announced as the next 007, and they could be right.

Theo James, an English actor, is currently hot favourite amongst bookies to take on the role of writer Ian Fleming’s iconic character.

James, who has had starring roles in film and television including in The Gentleman, Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, How It Ends, The White Lotus and The Time Traveler’s Wife, has captured the attention of punters and is now the clear leader to be named 007.

It is unclear why James has suddenly received such a push from punters.

James, who hasn’t posted on social media for almost a year, recently took part in a racey Dolce & Gabbba campaign where he stripped down to his swimmers.

Although the actor may know how to rock a swimsuit in Europe, a vital part of the Bond selection criteria, James isn’t the only big name that fans are speculating about.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s name has been linked to the franchise for a few years.

He is also English and is a Golden Globes winner and Marvel star. He added fuel to the rumour mill on Thursday by signing a contract with a Bond-adjacent brand.

Taylor-Johnson is a new global ambassador for the watch brand Omega. A Bond fashion staple.

Fans went into a frenzy after the post was shared online.

“Do I hear the 007 theme?” one user wrote.

“Hello Mr Bond, we have been expecting you,” wrote another.

The iconic watch brand has been keeping Bond star’s on time since the 1995 instalment, Golden Eye starring Pierce Brosnan.

Who will be the next James Bond?

Although James is favourite with the bookies, franchise lovers think all signs point to Taylor-Johnson.

Other names in the mix include Henry Cavill, Jack Lowden, James Norton, Harry Dickinson, Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Eddie Redmayne.

Bookies are also taking bets on some less likely names including Tom Hardy, Tom Holland, Pedro Pascal, Charlie Hunnam, Chris Evans, Timothee Chalamet and even Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

Impatient Bond fans have been trying to crack the code of who will play the next James Bond since before the release of Daniel Craig’s final Bond performance in the 2021 instalment, No Time To Die.

In March, James Bond franchise expert Mark O’Connell told LBC Radio that fans would likely know the identity of the next Bond by “summer”.

Mr O’Connell, from the UK, was talking about the north hemisphere’s summer, meaning we might know by September.

The franchise, which is a little overdue for the next Bond now, has gone through some monumental changes since the last release.

Amazon MGM takes creative control of Jame Bond franchise

In a Bond shake-up that stirred the film industry, Amazon MGM announced in February that the studio has taken the creative reins of the 007 franchise after decades of family control.

Long-time Bond custodians Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they would be stepping back.

Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli formed a new joint venture in which they will co-own James Bond intellectual property rights — but Amazon MGM will have creative control.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed when the announcement was made. The deal is expected to close sometime this year.

“With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects,” Wilson said in a statement at the time.

“Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”

Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 for $US6.5 billion ($A10.2 billion), a purchase that was significantly motivated by the acquisition of one of the movies’ most beloved and long-running franchises.

Since the Daniel Craig era of 007 concluded with 2021’s No Time to Die, Broccoli and Wilson had reportedly clashed with Amazon MGM over the direction of Bond.

The deal means that for the first time in the more than 50-year history of Bond, a Broccoli won’t be greenlighting a new James Bond film. Amazon MGM also anticipates expanding the franchise beyond movies.

“We are grateful to the late Albert R Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.

“We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

- With AP