The highly anticipated search for the next actor to portray the iconic secret agent James Bond continues, following Daniel Craig's final appearance as 007 in 2021's "No Time To Die." Craig, who starred in five Bond films including "Casino Royale" (2006), "Quantum of Solace" (2008), "Skyfall" (2012), and "Spectre" (2015), has reflected on his tenure, calling it an honor and an important part of his life. As speculation remains rife about who will take over the coveted role, several actors have either been linked to the part or publicly addressed the rumors.

Taron Egerton, the 35-year-old "Rocketman" star, has been long-linked to the 007 role, having previously played a secret agent in the "Kingsman" film franchise. Despite receiving backing from figures like Roger Moore's son Geoffrey in 2019, Egerton recently stated in an interview with Collider that he believes he "wouldn't be good at" playing Bond. He expressed that he finds himself "too messy" for the role and thinks there are "so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it," suggesting it would be "wasted" on him. Egerton's impressive credits include a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Elton John and a lead role in the Apple TV+ series "Smoke."

Another actor to remove himself from consideration is American star Glen Powell, known for "Top Gun 2" and "Anyone But You." Powell explicitly stated his belief that James Bond should be played by an "authentic Brit." Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Powell joked, "I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond," adding, "Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo." This stance aligns with the historical casting of the character, as all seven official Bond actors over 63 years have been white men from the UK and Ireland. The debate over potentially deviating from this tradition, with names like Gillian Anderson and Idris Elba previously considered, continues, though some actors, like Theo James, have expressed reluctance to take on such an iconic role due to the risk of being permanently defined by it.

Despite these withdrawals, new names continue to emerge as potential front-runners. British actor Mike Dickman, 40, has surprisingly entered the conversation, being linked with the vacant 007 role after a high-flying corporate career in the sports industry led to his acting passion. Dickman, who has featured in "Barbie," will have a supporting role in the psychological thriller "Secrets" and a prominent part in the upcoming Indian series "Gandhi," where he plays racist Captain Harry Sparks. Bookmakers even listed him as a surprise frontrunner alongside established names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Hardy, and Henry Cavill. Dickman expressed being "crazy flattering" to be mentioned with such actors and sees the project as a "whole rebirth of an incredible franchise." He is also working on an adaptation of William Corlett's novel, "Now and Then."

Joining the list of top contenders is James Nelson-Joyce, 36, a star from several hit BBC series, who is now "hotly tipped" and considered a "current favourite" for 007. Nelson-Joyce, who recently got engaged to jazz singer Olivia Frances Brown, gained recognition for his roles as James 'Yatesy' Yates in "Little Boy Blue" and Michael Kavanaugh in "This City is Ours." Hailing from Liverpool, he playfully embraced the speculation, joking to BBC Radio Merseyside, "I mean… double-O Scouse, I'm here for it."

Other names reportedly in the running include Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, and Tom Holland. While actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson (35) and Henry Cavill (42) have also been part of the speculation, their age being over 30 might potentially rule them out, according to some reports. The decision for the next James Bond is eagerly awaited as Amazon MGM Studios, having acquired the 007 franchise, looks to usher in a new era for the legendary spy.