Speculation surrounding the future of the James Bond franchise continues to intensify, with a new writer announced and a host of actors linked to the iconic 007 role. The latest developments confirm that Steven Knight, the acclaimed creator behind the smash-hit show Peaky Blinders, has been signed to pen the next James Bond film. Knight, 65, promises to deliver a version that is “better, stronger and bolder,” a significant assurance for diehard fans who had feared the franchise might lose its identity following Amazon’s $1 billion acquisition in February.

According to 007 expert Matthew Field, Knight’s appointment is a clear signal that Bond’s crucial British heritage will be safely preserved. Field emphasizes that Amazon’s choice of Knight, a truly great British writer with over 25 years of film and TV pedigree, demonstrates a deep understanding of Bond’s importance. For Knight, who also wrote SAS: Rogue Heroes and co-created Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, writing Bond was a long-standing bucket list ambition. He drew inspiration for Peaky Blinders from tales of his father’s gangster uncles, and his knack for captivating storytelling is evident in the global success of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, a concept that originated from his radio game idea, Cash Mountain. Knight is part of an impressive creative team for the next Bond installment, which includes Dune director Denis Villeneuve and producers David Heyman (Harry Potter) and Amy Pascal (Spider-Man), described by Field as a “great collection of creative minds reinventing Bond.” Knight himself expressed his hope that his long-time fandom will allow him to produce something that is “the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.”

Meanwhile, the search for Daniel Craig’s successor as James Bond remains a hot topic, with various actors addressing the rumors. Taron Egerton, the 35-year-old Rocketman star, has long been linked to the part but recently stated he doesn’t believe he would be a good fit, feeling he’s “too messy” for the role and suggesting there are many cool, younger actors who would be better. Egerton has previous spy experience starring in the Kingsman film franchise. Another actor gaining traction in the 007 conversation is Mike Dickman, 40, who admitted he’s “flattered” by the links after emerging as a surprise front-runner among bookmakers. Dickman, who transitioned from a corporate career to acting, has an impressive portfolio including a cameo in Barbie, a supporting role in the upcoming psychological thriller Secrets, and a prominent part in the Indian series Gandhi, where he plays Captain Harry Sparks. He spoke about the collaborative nature of productions and his excitement for the “rebirth of an incredible franchise.”

Joining the list of potential candidates is James Nelson-Joyce, 36, who is hotly tipped for the 007 role. Recently engaged to jazz singer Olivia Frances Brown, Nelson-Joyce jokingly embraced the idea, stating, “double-O Scouse, I’m here for it.” His breakout roles include James 'Yatesy' Yates in Little Boy Blue and Michael Kavanaugh in This City is Ours. Other names frequently mentioned in the running include Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, Tom Holland, Aaron Taylor-Johnson (35), and Henry Cavill (42), though their age over 30 might potentially rule some out.

Former James Bond actors have also weighed in on the ongoing discussion. Daniel Craig, 57, who concluded his five-film tenure with 2021’s No Time To Die, reflected on the honor of playing 007, calling it an important part of his life that he still finds hard to step away from. Pierce Brosnan, 72, who portrayed Bond from 1995 to 2002 across four films, expressed a surprising willingness to return to the role, even as a “senior citizen.” While acknowledging that no one likely wants to see a “craggy, 72-year-old Bond,” he stated he would consider it “in a heartbeat” if director Denis Villeneuve had a concept, adding, “Why not? It’s great entertainment. It could be lots of laughs. Bald caps, prosthetics… who knows?” The blend of new creative talent and continued actor speculation ensures that the next chapter of the James Bond saga will be keenly watched by fans worldwide.