Not Cavill, Not Elba, and Not Even Taylor-Johnson. Who Will Be the New James Bond and Why Amazon Is Looking for a Dark Horse

After 15 years with Daniel Craig and years of franchise silence, Bond is finally moving forward. Rumor has it that Amazon Studios has set strict conditions for the new James Bond actor — British accent, under 30 years old, 15-year contract for five films. But there's a catch: these requirements have eliminated most obvious candidates and created an unexpected casting situation. What's the problem? Find out in this article!

However paradoxical it may sound, Amazon will most likely choose a British actor unknown to the general public. This follows the spirit of the franchise's early films. In 1962, when it all began, Sean Connery was also a "nobody" — an obscure theater and TV actor. History knows what he became.

The advantages of an unknown face are obvious — audiences will see Bond himself, not a star playing Bond. Plus, long-term savings on fees. There are plenty of lesser-known actors "with the right energy" in British theater, TV, and even in supporting film roles. Sure, they don't grace glossy magazine covers, but Bond isn't a social media hero either. He's more the type who turns off his phone rather than posting martini stories.

If we're still considering known actors, Harris Dickinson is a name worth remembering. 29 years old, British, works in both arthouse cinema (The Souvenir Part II, Babygirl) and genre films (The King's Man). He has the coldness, the charm, and most importantly, the presence of a grown man who could knock out three guys in a bar with his fists if necessary.

Dickinson strikes the perfect balance between "not yet a superstar" and "already knows how to act." His image hasn't worn thin with mass audiences, but he has solid acting credentials behind him. It's easy to picture Harris playing poker with a champagne flute in Monte Carlo, or fighting mercenaries during an Antarctic storm. He looks like someone who won't apologize for his masculinity. That's rare these days.

The main casting challenge is the crisis of traditional masculinity in Hollywood. Timothée Chalamet is a fragile intellectual, Tom Holland is the friendly neighbor. Most others can't play classic alpha males. Bond's image requires natural dominance, physical charisma, the ability to be dangerous and attractive simultaneously. He's power wrapped in a suit. Amazon understands this, but the market offers sensitive, empathetic men raised during critiques of toxic masculinity and the #MeToo movement.

We have another "realistic" candidate — Paul Mescal. You might have seen him in the lead role in Gladiator II, where he confirmed his status as an actor for serious roles. Mescal is young enough (28), in good shape, and already beloved by the press. Bookmakers rate him highly — the Irishman's odds improved from 10/1 to 2/1 after Gladiator II's success.

But his Bond potential isn't so obvious. Mescal is associated with introspective characters — emotional pain and vulnerability. Great for independent dramas, but how would he look with a gun and a dry "Bond, James Bond"? Audiences — ourselves included — didn't see an inner predator in him in Gladiator II. And Bond isn't just a suit and expensive watch. It's a look that makes enemies tense up and audiences feel: someone's about to get beaten. Possibly with feet.

Among possible candidates, Jacob Elordi's name comes up. The "Euphoria" and "Saltburn" star has looks appealing to women, stands nearly 6'3", and is the right age (28). Could it work?

In theory — yes. Visually, he's maximally cinematic. The problem: he looks more like a perfume ad model than an MI6 officer. He still carries the image of a golden boy who gets rescued more than he rescues others. Elordi might surprise us, especially if he chooses more tough roles. But right now — this is Bond who poses in mirrors longer than he shoots.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is bookmakers' formal favorite thanks to his Omega ambassador status — Bond's official partner. With him, it's simple: age. Amazon publicly stated they won't consider actors over 30; Aaron is 35. They're building a long-term franchise, wanting to sign the series' face for 10-15 years ahead. Physically and marketing-wise — that's not Taylor-Johnson. Omega can stick him in promotional posters, bookmakers can boost his odds, but the studio has a clear strategy: youth, flexibility, longevity.

The internet, however, has its own favorites. And they're quite traditional: Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy. We appreciate their merits but immediately cross them out — age over 40 or even over 50. Technically, Robert Pattinson could work — looks younger than his years and has proven himself as a versatile actor. But he's already 39, tied to DC with Batman contracts, and has repeatedly expressed reluctance to play in the Bond franchise.

Amazon won't back down. They want a new Bond — not just an actor, but a phenomenon who will grow alongside the franchise. Therefore, the main favorite isn't bookmakers' darling, but someone you haven't heard of yet. He's somewhere on the Royal Theatre stage or in a British series you've never watched. But he already exists. And perhaps right now he's practicing: "The name is Bond. James Bond."