The highly anticipated search for the next James Bond is well underway following Daniel Craig's departure from the iconic 007 role, with Amazon now at the helm of the franchise. Amidst a flurry of speculation, a clear frontrunner has emerged, signaling a potential new era for the beloved British spy.

British actor Callum Turner, known for his role as Theseus Scamander in the 'Fantastic Beasts' series, has taken the lead as the top choice to portray the next James Bond. According to new odds from Heart Bingo, Turner, who is engaged to pop superstar Dua Lipa, has garnered the highest share of positive public sentiment regarding his potential casting, with 63% of posts on X supporting him and 0% negative feedback. Rising from humble working-class beginnings in Hammersmith to Hollywood, Turner’s journey continues to impress, especially since he began dating Dua Lipa in 2024 and proposed during the festive period of the same year.

Other notable actors in contention for the coveted role include James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Mescal, and former Superman Henry Cavill, who held the second position in public opinion with 34% positivity. While not explicitly mentioned in the public sentiment analysis, Tom Hardy has also been listed by bookmakers as a potential candidate, alongside these household names.

Adding an unexpected twist to the race, British actor Mike Dickman has surfaced as a surprise front-runner for the 007 role. Dickman, 40, admitted he was “flattered” to be mentioned alongside more experienced actors, having transitioned from a high-flying corporate career in the sports industry to pursue his passion for acting. His impressive portfolio is rapidly expanding, indicating a rising star in the industry.

Mike Dickman's recent projects highlight his diverse acting range. He made a cameo appearance in the blockbuster film 'Barbie' and secured a supporting role as Robert in the psychological thriller 'Secrets', set to be released on Amazon on August 19. In 'Secrets', he portrays the supportive partner of a bereaved daughter, navigating mysterious events. The film was directed by Chris Norton, known for 'My Month With Mrs. Potter', who maintained high morale even during challenging shoots. Dickman is also set to feature prominently in the upcoming series 'Gandhi', the first Indian series to premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. In 'Gandhi', he plays the racist Captain Harry Sparks, a role that required him to master a specific accent, impressing producers. Currently, he is also working on an adaptation of William Corlett's novel 'Now and Then', a coming-of-age drama he believes will resonate deeply with audiences. Mike Dickman is in a relationship with Heather Mills.

Beyond the male lead, the role of the next Bond girl is also attracting significant attention. American film star Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in 'The White Lotus' and 'Euphoria', has emerged as the favorite. She reportedly has the backing of Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, whose company now holds creative control over the blockbuster franchise. Sweeney, 27, has been seen with director Denis Villeneuve and previous Bond girl Ana de Armas, further fueling the speculation.

With Daniel Craig having officially hung up his Bond boots, the studio and producers are reportedly interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30, though the current list of contenders includes actors older than this preference. Denis Villeneuve, a self-proclaimed