# Who should be the next James Bond?

> From battle-tested action stars to charismatic dramatic heavyweights, the race to become the next 007 has never had this many compelling contenders. Old-school charm, modern grit, or something entirely unexpected — who gets your vote?

*By YPB Team · Published April 16, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-should-be-the-next-james-bond*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Henry Cavill**
   The Superman actor who topped fan polls for years, with imposing physique and suave charm that many believe perfectly fits the Bond mold.
2. **Aaron Taylor-Johnson**
   Widely reported as a front-runner after reportedly screen-testing for the role, the Kick-Ass and Bullet Train star brings brooding intensity.
3. **Tom Hardy**
   The Venom and Bane actor is a perennial fan favorite whose raw masculinity and versatility make him a compelling choice for a grittier Bond.
4. **Idris Elba**
   The Luther star spent a decade as the most-discussed Bond candidate, with even Daniel Craig endorsing him as a natural successor.
5. **Regé-Jean Page**
   The Bridgerton breakout star shot to the top of bookmakers' lists overnight, combining old-school elegance with modern charisma tailor-made for a tuxedo.
6. **Richard Madden**
   After playing a brooding bodyguard in BBC's Bodyguard and Robb Stark in Game of Thrones, this Scottish actor has the dramatic chops for the role.
7. **James Norton**
   A long-time bookmakers' favorite, the Happy Valley star has the classic British bearing and screen presence producers reportedly admire.
8. **Sam Heughan**
   The Outlander star's athletic frame, Scottish roots, and action-hero credibility have earned him a devoted fan base pushing for him as 007.
9. **Jonathan Bailey**
   Fresh off global fame in Bridgerton and Wicked, this versatile British actor's charm, wit, and physicality make him one of the hottest names in the Bond conversation.
10. **Tom Hiddleston**
   The Loki actor's effortless sophistication, dry wit, and experience playing morally complex characters make him a natural fit for 007.
11. **Cillian Murphy**
   The Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer star's intense gaze, cool detachment, and understated menace could bring an entirely new dimension to James Bond.
12. **Dev Patel**
   After reinventing himself as a rugged action star in Monkey Man, the Slumdog Millionaire actor represents a bold, contemporary reimagining of Bond.
13. **Jack Lowden**
   The Slow Horses and Dunkirk actor is a critically acclaimed Scottish talent with quiet intensity that could make for a truly fresh Bond.
14. **Luke Evans**
   The Welsh actor's action-movie pedigree spanning Fast & Furious and The Hobbit, combined with his commanding physicality, keeps him in the fan-cast conversation.
15. **Nicholas Hoult**
   The X-Men and Renfield star brings lean athleticism, British roots, and a proven ability to play both charming and dangerous roles.
16. **Damson Idris**
   The Snowfall star has quietly emerged as an exciting dark-horse candidate with rising star power and a compelling screen presence.
17. **Andrew Scott**
   Known globally as Moriarty in Sherlock and the Hot Priest in Fleabag, his ability to make audiences simultaneously trust and fear him is uniquely Bond-like.

Tags: movies, actors, spy, british, james bond