The iconic role of James Bond, left vacant since Daniel Craig's departure in the 2021 film No Time To Die, continues to fuel widespread speculation regarding who will next embody the suave super spy. With the franchise now under Amazon MGM Studios, the search has intensified, drawing attention to both established stars and rising talents, and igniting debates about the character's traditional portrayal.

Among the actors currently making headlines is British rising star Mike Dickman, 40, who has emerged as a surprise front-runner for the coveted 007 role. Dickman, who transitioned from a high-flying corporate career in the sports industry to pursue his passion for acting, admits he is "crazy flattering" to be mentioned alongside household names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Hardy, and Henry Cavill. He views the casting process as a "whole rebirth of an incredible franchise."

Dickman's impressive and diverse portfolio is rapidly expanding. He recently had a cameo in the blockbuster film Barbie and secured a supporting role as Robert, the partner of Sammy (played by Charlotte Jackson Colman), in the psychological thriller Secrets, which is set to be released on Amazon on August 19. This film, directed by Chris Norton (known for My Month With Mrs. Potter), follows Sammy as she uncovers a dark past after a brutal murder, with Mike's character attempting to be a supportive rock amidst mysterious events. Mike praised Norton's enthusiastic direction, recounting a challenging forest shoot in sub-zero temperatures.

Furthermore, Dickman will feature prominently in the upcoming series Gandhi, the first Indian series to premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. In Gandhi, he takes on the role of the racist Captain Harry Sparks, who attempts to impede Mahatma Gandhi's time in South Africa. Producers were reportedly impressed by Dickman's ability to master the Akrikaans accent, a role that could significantly elevate his industry standing. He spoke highly of lead actor Pratik Gandhi, describing him as "absolutely fantastic" and possessing a "real presence" in his portrayal of the iconic character.

Looking ahead, Dickman is already involved in an adaptation of William Corlett's novel, Now and Then by Matt Western, a relationship-driven coming-of-age drama he hopes will become a "quintessential British drama." His personal life also draws attention, as he is in a relationship with Heather Mills.

While Mike Dickman represents the new guard of potential Bonds, past actors have also weighed in. Pierce Brosnan, 72, who famously played 007 from 1995 to 2002 in four films (GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day), expressed his willingness to return "in a heartbeat" if director Denis Villeneuve had a suitable concept for a "senior citizen" Bond. However, he mused that "no one wants to see a craggy, 72-year-old Bond," yet noted the potential for "lots of laughs" with "bald caps, prosthetics."

The field of potential Bonds has also seen actors rule themselves out. Top Gun 2 and Anyone But You star Glen Powell, for instance, stated that he is "not the right person" for the role, emphasizing his Texan roots and advocating for an "authentic Brit" to don the tuxedo. Similarly, The White Lotus star Theo James previously declined consideration, fearing that taking on such an iconic character would mean being defined as "Bond" for the rest of his career, calling it "opening Pandora's box."

Historically, all seven actors who have officially portrayed Bond on screen over 63 years have been white men from the UK and Ireland, including Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig (David Niven played the role in a non-official 1967 adaptation). This tradition has sparked debate, with some suggesting the franchise could deviate by considering a female Bond, such as Gillian Anderson, or the first Black star, with Idris Elba long being a popular choice. Amidst this evolving discussion, a new name, relative unknown James Nelson-Joyce, known for roles in Little Boy Blue and This City is Ours, has recently emerged as a favourite for the role.