23.02.2025

As Amazon takes control of James Bond franchise, which star will be next to play 007?

With Amazon taking full control of James Bond, the race for the next 007 is on. Henry Cavill leads the pack, but can he finally secure the role? Discover the contenders, from Idris Elba to Tom Hardy, and why Cavill might be the perfect fit.

Words: Culture Editor

James Bond is now controlled by Amazon MGM, in a new era for 007 – but which actor could play the legendary British spy next?

Andreas Rentz / Getty Images for GQ Germany

Gentlemen, grab your martinis – shaken, not stirred, naturally – because the stakes in the James Bond casting game have just gone stratospheric. Amazon's Jeff Bezos, playing the role of puppet master with all the subtlety of a Bond villain, has acquired our beloved franchise. In true Bond villain fashion, Bezos took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to ask: Who should be the next 007?

Henry Cavill.

Andreas Rentz / Getty Images for GQ Germany

The internet didn’t hesitate. Within moments of Bezos’ tweet, Henry Cavill was trending as the clear fan-favorite. And why not? The man has the physique, the charm, and—let’s be honest—the jawline for the role.

Why Cavill?

Well, he's practically been auditioning for Bond his entire career without even trying. Cavill once auditioned for Bond back in 2006 when Casino Royale was being cast. Director Martin Campbell later admitted Cavill was this close to getting the role. “He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. But he was too young.” At just 23, Cavill lost out to Daniel Craig, who went on to redefine the role.

Fast forward to 2024, and Cavill is no longer the fresh-faced hopeful—he’s a seasoned action star, having carried Superman, The Witcher, and Mission: Impossible on his broad shoulders. Oh, and let’s not forget he’s already signed a major deal with Amazon for their upcoming Warhammer 40,000 adaptation. Could a Bond contract be next on his desk?

Idris Elba.

Jeff Spicer / Getty Images

But what about our other distinguished candidates? There's Idris Elba, who's been playing hard to get longer than any Bond girl. Tom Hardy, who could probably terrify a villain into submission with just a growl. The rakishly charming James McAvoy, the magnetically intense Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson – the dark horse with a killer instinct.

Henry Cavill starred as Napoleon Solo at The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures.

Yet there's something about Cavill that feels right for this moment. He's got that rare blend of old-school Bond sophistication and modern-day brawn. The man can deliver a cutting quip while actually looking like he could survive a fight with a small army. And let's be honest – who else could make ordering a martini sound like both a threat and a promise?

The real question isn't whether Cavill could do it – it's whether Amazon is bold enough to give him the keys to the Aston Martin. At 40, he's like a fine scotch: aged just enough to be dangerous.

So, fellow connoisseurs of classic espionage, while we await the verdict, let's raise a glass to the possibility of Cavill's Bond – a man who could make even Q Branch's most ridiculous gadgets look credible.

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As Amazon takes control of James Bond franchise, which star will be next to play 007?

With Amazon taking full control of James Bond, the race for the next 007 is on. Henry Cavill leads the pack, but can he finally secure the role? Discover the contenders, from Idris Elba to Tom Hardy, and why Cavill might be the perfect fit.

Words: Culture Editor

James Bond is now controlled by Amazon MGM, in a new era for 007 – but which actor could play the legendary British spy next?

Henry Cavill.

The internet didn’t hesitate. Within moments of Bezos’ tweet, Henry Cavill was trending as the clear fan-favorite. And why not? The man has the physique, the charm, and—let’s be honest—the jawline for the role.

Why Cavill?

Idris Elba.

Henry Cavill starred as Napoleon Solo at The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

The real question isn't whether Cavill could do it – it's whether Amazon is bold enough to give him the keys to the Aston Martin. At 40, he's like a fine scotch: aged just enough to be dangerous.

So, fellow connoisseurs of classic espionage, while we await the verdict, let's raise a glass to the possibility of Cavill's Bond – a man who could make even Q Branch's most ridiculous gadgets look credible.

Your move, Bezos. The gentleman's game awaits its next player.

Care to place your bets, gentlemen?

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As Amazon takes control of James Bond franchise, which star will be next to play 007?

With Amazon taking full control of James Bond, the race for the next 007 is on. Henry Cavill leads the pack, but can he finally secure the role? Discover the contenders, from Idris Elba to Tom Hardy, and why Cavill might be the perfect fit.

Words: Culture Editor

James Bond is now controlled by Amazon MGM, in a new era for 007 – but which actor could play the legendary British spy next?

Henry Cavill.

The internet didn’t hesitate. Within moments of Bezos’ tweet, Henry Cavill was trending as the clear fan-favorite. And why not? The man has the physique, the charm, and—let’s be honest—the jawline for the role.

Why Cavill?

Idris Elba.

Henry Cavill starred as Napoleon Solo at The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

The real question isn't whether Cavill could do it – it's whether Amazon is bold enough to give him the keys to the Aston Martin. At 40, he's like a fine scotch: aged just enough to be dangerous.

So, fellow connoisseurs of classic espionage, while we await the verdict, let's raise a glass to the possibility of Cavill's Bond – a man who could make even Q Branch's most ridiculous gadgets look credible.

Your move, Bezos. The gentleman's game awaits its next player.

Care to place your bets, gentlemen?

Related posts