The next James Bond actor has not yet been officially announced as of late August 2025. There are several strong rumors and contenders for the role:

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson is considered a front-runner and reportedly did a screen test that impressed producers. He is in his early 30s and fits the age profile the producers are seeking.
• Josh O'Connor was predicted by some to become the next Bond and has made public comments joking about the role, though it appears uncertain if he is actually involved.
• Tom Hardy remains a popular candidate supported by some former Bond actors like Pierce Brosnan, but he has not publicly confirmed or denied interest.
• Other actors frequently mentioned include Henry Cavill, Callum Turner, Theo James, Sam Heughan, and Regé-Jean Page.
• Idris Elba has publicly stated he will not take the role.
• The Bond franchise is now under Amazon MGM Studios' creative control, which may influence the timing and selection process.

No official confirmation has been made yet, and the upcoming Bond 26 film is still in development under a new director, Denis Villeneuve. Given the information, Aaron Taylor-Johnson currently appears to be the leading candidate for the next James Bond, with other contenders still in the mix and speculation ongoing.