Our Top Picks to Play the Next James Bond

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Many actors—from those known for action movies to those in clever spy thrillers—have the skills, charisma, and availability to commit to a long-term leading role. Here are twenty potential candidates who have a track record of success, experience with major franchises, and the international fame that studios desire. For each actor, we’ve included their recent work, physical training, and global popularity to help you visualize them taking on the part and handling its demands.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is known for starring in both blockbuster action films like ‘Kick-Ass’ and ‘Bullet Train’, and large franchises such as the ‘Avengers’ series. He’s highly skilled in action sequences, having trained extensively in fight choreography, firearms, and stunt work. His experience includes a range of projects, from independent dramas to big-budget action movies, making him well-suited for long-term film commitments. As a dual citizen of both the UK and the US, he also simplifies logistics for international productions.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill has proven experience leading major franchises, starring in both the film ‘Man of Steel’ and the streaming series ‘The Witcher’. He’s also comfortable with action and spy roles, having appeared in ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘Mission Impossible Fallout’. Cavill consistently prepares physically for demanding roles, ensuring he’s always ready for action. Furthermore, his projects are frequently filmed in the UK and Europe, aligning well with the planned production locations for this series.

Regé-Jean Page

Regé-Jean Page became internationally known for his role in ‘Bridgerton’ and has since transitioned into action and fantasy films like ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’. He’s worked on film projects in both the UK and the US, and has a dedicated following around the world. He’s skilled in performing action sequences, including weapons handling and chases, and is comfortable with high-profile publicity events.

James Norton

James Norton is a versatile British actor known for his roles in thrilling series like ‘McMafia’ and ‘Rogue Agent’, as well as period dramas such as ‘Grantchester’ and the contemporary series ‘Happy Valley’. He’s skilled in action sequences, thanks to his stage combat training, and has proven he can carry a story across an entire series – making him a good choice for projects with multiple installments. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he has a strong foundation in classical acting techniques and can expertly handle different accents.

Richard Madden

Richard Madden is known for his roles in action-packed projects like ‘Bodyguard’, where he played a bodyguard skilled in security, weapons, and surveillance. He’s also gained international recognition from popular series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and the film ‘Eternals’. He’s experienced in performing fight scenes and has filmed on location throughout Europe. Because he works in both streaming television and movies, he’s a valuable asset for promoting projects across different platforms.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is known for leading major action films like ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and ‘Venom,’ as well as the spy thriller ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.’ He’s a physically skilled actor with extensive training in martial arts and boxing, often taking on demanding roles. Hardy is also versatile with accents, having worked on productions in both the UK and the US. This broad appeal and recognition often lead to successful opening weekends for his films internationally.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston is well-prepared for a spy series, having previously starred in ‘The Night Manager’ and played Loki in the Marvel universe for many years. He’s experienced with both dramatic acting and physically demanding action sequences. His background in theater gives him excellent vocal skills and range. He’s also comfortable being a public face, as he’s led major press events throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is known for his action roles in films like ‘The Take’ and ‘Beast,’ and his compelling work in the crime drama ‘Luther.’ He’s physically prepared for demanding roles, having trained in martial arts and performed his own stunts, including driving and fight choreography. Beyond acting, Elba is also a producer and DJ, which helps him connect with a global audience. His Golden Globe award for ‘Luther’ demonstrates his talent and adds prestige to any leading role he takes.

Nicholas Hoult

As a film buff, I’ve always been impressed with Nicholas Hoult’s range. He’s proven he can handle everything – the intense action of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ the witty comedy and drama in ‘The Great,’ and even the world of superheroes with ‘X-Men.’ It’s clear he’s incredibly dedicated to staying in top shape, especially considering some of the physically demanding shoots he’s done in the desert and with vehicles. What really stands out is his ability to work seamlessly with both huge, blockbuster directors in massive ensemble films and as a leading man in more prestige, character-driven projects. His career seems perfectly paced with how shows are released these days – a nice mix of big studio films and smaller, critically acclaimed work.

Dan Stevens

As a movie fan, I’ve been really impressed watching Dan Stevens evolve. He’s known for ‘Downton Abbey,’ of course, but he’s totally proven he can do so much more, diving into action with ‘The Guest’ and even a mind-bending role in ‘Legion.’ It’s clear he puts in the work – I’ve read he’s trained in both handling firearms and doing his own stunts. Plus, he’s multilingual and performs a lot of his own vocal work, including ADR, which is amazing for making movies accessible to audiences worldwide. He really moves between British and American projects and isn’t afraid of filming on location, which adds so much to his performances.

Jack Lowden

I’ve been so impressed watching Jack Lowden’s career! You might recognize him from ‘Dunkirk,’ but I really think he shines as the lead in ‘Slow Horses’ – he plays a field agent who’s learning the ropes, and it’s fantastic. What’s really cool is he’s Scottish and incredibly skilled at accents, so he can really nail any regional voice. He’s also dedicated to getting the details right – I read he even trained in military drills and weapon handling for previous parts! He’s quickly becoming a major name in British film and TV, and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing him in big roles for years to come.

Sope Dirisu

Sope Dirisu is a highly skilled performer known for his intense fight choreography in ‘Gangs of London’ and his classical training with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He’s experienced in performing intricate action sequences, including fights and clearing buildings, often with detailed preparation. A familiar face in British film and TV, he’s also appeared in films released internationally, helping to broaden their reach.

Damson Idris

Damson Idris successfully carried the lead role in ‘Snowfall’ for several seasons, proving his ability to lead a long-running television series. He’s also appeared in the major film ‘F1,’ significantly raising his public profile. Idris is a dedicated actor who has trained in both firearms handling and vehicle operation for his roles. With his British and Nigerian background, he appeals to audiences in a variety of international markets.

John Boyega

John Boyega is known for his leading roles in both ‘Star Wars’ films and ‘Attack the Block,’ showcasing his ability to handle action-packed sci-fi and work effectively with large casts. He’s a skilled performer who has trained extensively in stunts and fight choreography. Beyond acting, Boyega is adept at handling publicity and press events, and his experience as a producer allows him to collaborate well with creative teams on major projects.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel recently directed and starred in the action film ‘Monkey Man,’ building on the global success he first achieved with ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ He’s dedicated himself to physical training, learning hand-to-hand combat and weapons skills for his roles. Patel is well-known in the UK, India, and the US, and his work spans both independent films and large studio productions, giving him a lot of flexibility in his schedule.

Riz Ahmed

As a film lover, I’m constantly impressed by Riz Ahmed. He’s got this amazing range – you can find him in huge blockbusters like ‘Rogue One’ and ‘Venom,’ but then he delivers this incredibly raw, Oscar-nominated performance in ‘The Long Goodbye’ and the stunning ‘Sound of Metal.’ He really commits to his roles, physically training and clearly being comfortable in action sequences. Plus, being British Pakistani and fluent in multiple languages, along with his musical talents, makes him a huge asset for films trying to reach a global audience. And it’s not just acting – he’s a smart producer too, running his own company and clearly understanding what it takes to build a successful franchise.

Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton is known for his roles in the ‘Kingsman’ films, where he performed many action scenes involving suits and gadgets. He trained hard in fighting and using weapons for those movies. He also powerfully portrayed a real person in ‘Rocketman,’ completely transforming his voice and body for the part. Egerton continues to be a prominent actor in both movies and theater, frequently appearing on stage in London’s West End.

Aidan Turner

Aidan Turner is known for his roles in popular series like ‘Poldark’ and the ‘Hobbit’ movies, giving him experience in both historical dramas and fantasy action. He’s skilled in horseback riding, archery, and performing stunts. Based primarily in the UK and Europe, he’s a convenient choice for productions filming in those locations. He also has a strong and loyal fanbase, making him well-recognized internationally.

Jamie Dornan

As a film buff, I’ve been really impressed with Jamie Dornan lately. He’s fantastic in ‘The Tourist,’ and it’s cool to see he’s done some really intense roles before, like in ‘A Private War’ and ‘Anthropoid,’ where he tackled spy and undercover stuff. He’s clearly comfortable working internationally – he’s filmed all over Europe and Australia, and even performed in multiple languages! Plus, he’s dedicated to making those roles believable; he’s done extensive training in both firearms and driving for his on-screen work. He’s got experience in both movies and high-end streaming, which is a great combination.

Sam Heughan

Sam Heughan is best known for leading the popular series ‘Outlander,’ where he trained extensively in skills like sword fighting, shooting, and horseback riding. He’s also appeared in action-packed films such as ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One’ and ‘SAS: Red Notice,’ and actively promotes fitness and conditioning through brand partnerships. Living between Scotland and London makes him readily available for filming projects throughout the UK.

Let us know your favorite choice and any surprising picks in the comments – we’d love to see how your list compares to ours!

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2025-10-25 20:19