"No Time to Die" (2021) was Bond veteran Daniel Craig's fifth and final portrayal of the fictional MI6 agent, and the 25th in the 007 series. It has now been revealed that "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight is set to write the next James Bond movie, while filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, best known for "Dune," will direct the relaunch of the franchise. But who will be the lead star?

Aaron Taylor Johnson keeps topping betting sites' lists of odds to pick up the role. It has also been reported that 007 producers had made a "formal offer" to the British actor to become the next James Bond. The "Tenet" and "28 Years Later" star has since distanced himself from the rumors, though he also suggested in a "Rolling Stone UK" interview that it was simply too early to talk about it.

The British actor had already auditioned for the Bond role in "Casino Royale" back in 2005; as we know, it ultimately went to Daniel Craig. Cavill has since gained recognition for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe and as the lead star of the fantasy TV series "The Witcher." He remains a top contender to become the next 007 — at least according to fans and bookmakers.

The odds are also good for English actor Callum Turner, who has shown he can tackle dangerous missions through his role in WWII drama miniseries "Masters of the Air." He's also known as Theseus, the brother of Newt Scamander in the "Fantastic Beasts" films. Fans hope to see him star alongside his real-life fiancee, pop icon Dua Lipa, who could appear as the next Bond girl and sing the new theme.

Despite previous rumors, Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer" star Cillian Murphy has slipped down the pecking order, but he still has an outside chance of being the first Irish Bond. At least we know he can put on an accent, as ably demonstrated in his Brummie role in the TV show "Peaky Blinders."

The "Sex Education" therapist definitely has the charisma and sex appeal needed for the character. But is the world ready for a Ms. Bond? Many people, including former 007 star Pierce Brosnan, don't see that as an option. Actor Helen Mirren also feels it wouldn't work: "I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy: You can't have a woman... otherwise it becomes something else."

Even if the rumors seem a little far-fetched, some fans still hold out hope that the former soccer star will take on the role. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer may look the part in a tuxedo — but can he act?

Famous for his iconic depictions of drug lord Stringer Bell in the TV series "The Wire" and detective John Luther in "Luther," this charismatic Golden Globe-award winner knows how to handle a gun. However, he said in 2023 that when the discussion only "became about race," it made the "whole thing disgusting and off-putting."

Another outsider, the pop star has already shown his affection for Bond in the 1998 song "Millennium." Williams parodied 007 in the video, dressed in a tuxedo, driving an Aston Martin and surrounded by beautiful women in fluffy negligees. The singer has since matured, but maybe the gray streaks in his hair only add to the allure. Whether a singing Bond can save the world is another question.

Eddie Brock/Venom from the "Venom" films was another favorite among bookies. From "Black Hawk Down" to "Mad Max," Hardy has starred in all kinds of action films, and even in a Cold War espionage movie, "Tinker Tailor Solider Spy," so he's got enough experience for the role. He's got style, too, and has landed on different lists of sexiest men alive. Enough said.