Amazon MGM Studios announced that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film—the first under Amazon control.
Amazon MGM Studios sets Denis Villeneuve as director of next James Bond film.
Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers. pic.twitter.com/7RJAweHhRh
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) June 26, 2025
The move to choose the French-Canadian film director came as somewhat of a surprise, but Villeneuve is obviously a very accomplished filmmaker, helming hits like Prisoners, Arrival, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, and the recent Dune films from Warner Bros. The next question is who plays the iconic title character for Villeneuve’s take. These actors are among the top options.
Henry Cavill
Let’s start with the man who can probably be deemed the people’s choice. Henry Cavill is a fan-favorite who’s played Superman and has been unafraid to take on big franchises and IP. Vladimir Furdik, the stunt performer and actor who played the Night King in Game of Thrones, worked with Cavill on The Witcher and said back in 2019 that he doesn’t know anyone who can learn fight choreography as well as him. Plus, the 42-year-old British actor is already working with Amazon on a Warhammer 40,000 series. Bottom line: Cavill is an action star possessing the look to take on the Bond role.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Said to be the current favorite according to many, Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be another excellent choice as someone not widely known as another character (unlike others mentioned here). At just 35 years old, Taylor-Johnson fits the age that Bond creator Ian Fleming envisioned for the character in his novels—and Amazon might ultimately want to land squarely in the thirties for their first take on Bond.
Tom Hardy
Going in the opposite direction—but with another choice many fans would love—Tom Hardy, though 47 years old, can bring a James Bond look and demeanor as the choice. Hardy would be a fantastic path if Amazon decides not to lean on the younger side and wants more of a wearied, credible steward for the franchise. Idris Elba gets an honorable mention for that route, though he’s indicated he won’t be playing the character.
Richard Madden
Bodyguard showed that Richard Madden would kill it in a James Bond type of role, and his name brings heft with a career that includes playing Robb Stark in Game of Thrones—that potential built-in loyalty from fans of a mega franchise could be big. But there could be a downside, too, if Amazon wants to go with more of a blank slate compared to actors who have played roles like Superman and Robb Stark.
Damson Idris
The youngest of the listed options, Damson Idris is 33 years old and—though he starred in FX’s Snowfall from 2017-2023—might be ready for a massive breakout opposite Brad Pitt in summer blockbuster F1, releasing this weekend. When recently asked about potentially playing Bond, Idris joked that he’s “already James Bond.”
James Norton
Not widely attached or known as a certain character from other gigs, James Norton is another fresh-slate type of choice that could work. One season of McMafia in 2018 plus his range in Happy Valley give a glimpse of what it could look like if he plays Bond.