Amazon MGM Studios begins search for next James Bond actor

Amazon MGM Studios has officially begun the search for the next James Bond.

According to Variety, the studio started auditioning actors for the role of 007 in recent weeks, with acclaimed casting director Nina Gold reportedly involved in the process of finding a successor to Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming’s secret agent.

In an official statement released on social media yesterday, Amazon MGM Studios said: "The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right."

Gold’s involvement would mark a significant addition to Bond 26. The casting director is known for her work on major franchises and productions, including Game of Thrones, The Crown and several Star Wars: The Force Awakens era Star Wars films, where she cast Daisy Ridley as Rey. Her credits also include films such as The Martian, Les Misérables and Conclave.

Longtime Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams previously worked on films The Living Daylights, GoldenEye and Casino Royale, to help cast the then new Bond actors Timothy Dalton,  Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.

The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for the Dune films, Arrival and Sicario. Producers include Amy Pascal and David Heyman, while Steven Knight is writing the screenplay.

Last month at CinemaCon, Amazon MGM Studios film chief Courtenay Valenti said the studio was taking its time with the casting process and approaching the next chapter of Bond “with care and deep respect.” 

The full statement was: "Now, I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond. Don’t get too excited. Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.

What I can tell you is this: when you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class filmmaking team, including the brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, extraordinary producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe, and screenwriter Steven Knight, you’re setting the stage for something that’s truly worthy of the Bond legacy. That film is coming, and when the time is right, we’ll have much more to share.”