James Bond Shortlist Narrowed to Three Contenders: Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson

James Bond bosses have reportedly narrowed down their shortlist to just three names, after a flurry of speculation. It is believed that Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of Amazon's wish list, according to Variety.

Inside sources reportedly told the publication that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30. And while Jacob, 28, is Australian, he is still believed to be in the running as fellow Aussie actor George Lazenby has previously played Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Amazing, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris for comment. Amazon declined to comment when contacted by Variety.

The studio announced on Wednesday that Denis Villeneuve - best known for directing Warner Bros.' two-part Dune adaptation - has signed on to direct the untitled film, via Amazon press release.

James Bond bosses have reportedly narrowed down their shortlist to just three names, after a flurry of speculation. Theories have rife around which names are in the running to replace Daniel Craig, after he made his last appearance as Bond in the 2021 film No Time To Die.

The French-Canadian filmmaker, 57, will also serve as executive producer of the project alongside Tanya Lapointe. Amazon had previously set Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the film's producers, after the studio parted ways with longtime 007 caretakers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

The news comes just over three years after Amazon completed its massive $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios that included the James Bond franchise. There hasn't been a new 007 film since 2021's No Time to Die, the final film with Daniel Craig as the beloved secret agent.

The director said in a statement, 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.' He added, 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.' The filmmaker admitted, 'This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.' He also went on to thank Bond producers Amy and David, adding they, 'are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.'

It is believed that Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of Amazon's wish list. Inside sources reportedly told the publication that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30. And while Jacob, 28, is Australian, he is still believed to be in the running as fellow Aussie actor George Lazenby has previously played Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969.

While fans still wait news on who the next actor to play British super-spy Bond will be, Amazon MGM Studios has found the film's director. The studio announced Wednesday that Denis Villeneuve - best known for directing Warner Bros.' two-part Dune adaptation - has signed on to direct the untitled film, via Amazon press release.

Amy and David added, 'Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.'

After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Barbara and Michael, the offspring of original James Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli. Barbara and Michael had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them.

Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara and Michael in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumored to be upwards of $1 billion. Villeneuve made his directorial debut in 1998 with August 32nd on Earth, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival that year. He followed that up with Maelstrom (2000), Polytechnique (2009) and Incendies (2010), the latter of which was nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards.

The filmmaker broke through in Hollywood with 2013's Prisoners, a dark drama starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. He continued to win acclaim for 2013's Enemy, 2015's Sicario, 2016's Arrival, 2017's Blade Runner 2049 and, most recently, 2021's Dune: Part One and 2024's Dune: Part Two.

Speculation has continued to grow over who will be the next big-screen Bond, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson previously touted as a favourite among industry figures. The acquisition of the Bond franchise by Amazon earlier this year has also prompted a flurry of guesses as to where they might take the franchise next.

Bond has been spoiled with video game adaptations since the 1980s, with early adaptations taking the form of shooting games or text adventures in which players typed in what they wanted the super-spy to do. Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027.

Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun. An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes. But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers. It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.'

The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background. It was announced earlier this year that Amazon Prime had taken over 'creative control' of the James Bond franchise leaving fans fearing the beloved films could be ruined by endless spin-offs such as Star Wars.

The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control. The company is said to be fast-tracking the new movie after spending a reported $1 billion to regain control from Barbara Broccoli.

There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond. Barbara Broccoli's choice for Bond was thought to be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was once favourite for the role, but Heyman and Pascal are likely to want to choose their own 007.