James Bond casting director reveals simple criteria next actor must fulfill to get the role

James Bond fans are desperate to know who the next actor to take the role will be - and the casting director has revealed exactly what criteria they'll have to fulfill.

Since Daniel Craig announced he would be stepping down from the iconic role after his fifth and final Bond film, No Time to Die, which was released in 2021, speculation has mounted over who will take up the mantle.

Several names have been banded around in the resulting years but as of yet, Craig's successor has yet to be confirmed.

Casting director Nina Gold has revealed that the hunt is well underway for the next actor, set to take the role in the 26th Bond film, which will be directed by Oscar-nominated director Denis Villeneuve, and scripted by Steven Knight.

The next James Bond is yet to be revealed after Daniel Craig stepped down from the role. Credit: Mike Marsland / Getty Images

Some of the names that have come up as potential candidates include Euphoria's Jacob Elordi, Babygirl's Harris Dickinson, and even Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but Gold's shortlist of stars remains a closely-guarded secret.

Gold told Deadline that one of the main criteria for whoever takes on the role is that they must "ooze sex appeal", as well as be young enough to reprise the role potentially up to four further times.

Amazon MGM Studios officially announced the opening of the Bond casting process earlier this week, saying in a statement: "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."

Jacob Elordi is one of the names touted for the role. Credit: Variety / Getty Images

The company's Head of Film, Courtenay Valenti, said during CinemaCon in Las Vegas last month: "I know you're all wondering when we're going to announce who's playing James Bond.

"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... 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."

Featured image credit: Mike Marsland/Getty Images