Is Hollywood really ready to hand 007 to its newest heartthrob, or is the tux still on hold? The answer hinges on a quiet dance between a star on the rise, a meticulous director, and a billion-dollar bet.
Industry chatter has zeroed in on Jacob Elordi, the newly Oscar-nominated actor whose breakout run from Euphoria to Saltburn and Priscilla has remade his profile. At 28, he could become the youngest 007 just as Denis Villeneuve emerges from Dune 3 to steer the next chapter. Amazon MGM’s billion-dollar stake in Bond is driving a tight timetable, with casting and development heating up through 2026 and filming eyed for 2027. The pieces are moving, and they point to a high-stakes handover of cinema’s most scrutinized role.
Rumors stir: a new James Bond on the horizon?
The iconic James Bond franchise is back in the spotlight with fresh casting buzz. Industry chatter suggests Jacob Elordi, the 28-year-old Australian rising star coming off major awards attention, could be in the frame to don the tuxedo. Some reports even link acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve to the next 007 chapter, hinting that a new era for the spy saga may be approaching.
From teenage heartthrob to industry heavyweight
Elordi has steadily expanded his range, from breakout notoriety as Nate Jacobs in Euphoria to striking turns in Saltburn and Priscilla. This arc, marked by bold choices and visible ambition, has reportedly drawn interest within Amazon MGM Studios and long-standing stewards at EON. If selected, he would likely rank among the youngest actors to play 007, a strategic fit for a refreshed, contemporary take on the character.
Denis Villeneuve and the James Bond connection
Visionary director Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Arrival, has been repeatedly floated by trades as a candidate to steer Bond’s next phase. As his Dune cycle winds down, attention could shift toward 007 as early as 2026 according to industry speculation. Notably, EON tapped Steven Knight to work on the Bond 26 screenplay, signaling active development. Some timelines being discussed place a potential production start no earlier than 2027.
The Amazon MGM factor
Following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 for approximately $8.45 billion, the franchise benefits from deeper resources and global reach, while EON retains creative control. The strategy points to a large-scale cinematic relaunch supported by robust marketing and distribution muscle. A new face like Elordi’s could align with ambitions to reinvigorate 007 for a new generation and expand its footprint worldwide.
A role of a lifetime, but is it meant to be?
Scheduling will be a decisive variable. Elordi has been linked to high-profile commitments, including Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and a new take on Wuthering Heights, signaling a continued appetite for challenging material. Even so, few roles match the cultural weight of James Bond, a legacy defined by Connery, Brosnan, and Craig. The momentum around Elordi’s candidacy continues to build as the next chapter of 007 takes shape.