The search for the next James Bond has taken an unexpected and glamorous turn.
While Hollywood heavyweights like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill have long dominated the betting pools, a new name is rising from the world of prestige television: Sydney Sweeney.
The Euphoria and Anyone But You star has been officially “tipped” for the iconic role, not just by fans, but by a prominent Hollywood filmmaker who believes the 28-year-old actress has exactly what it takes to carry a license to kill.
Paul Feig’s Bold Vision: Sweeney as the Super-Spy
Director Paul Feig, known for his work on Bridesmaids and the female-led Ghostbusters, recently stirred the pot during an interview with The Sun.
Feig, who has a reputation for championing strong female leads, didn’t just suggest Sweeney for a “Bond Girl” role—he wants her to be the Commander herself.
“I’d rather Sydney be the next Bond,” Feig stated bluntly. “There have been some cool Bond girls, but come on, let her be the super-spy. She’s great.”
Feig’s endorsement isn’t just based on Sweeney’s meteoric rise to fame. He cited her legendary work ethic as a primary reason she could handle the physical and mental rigors of the 007 mantle.
“She’s one of the hardest-working people I know, so professional, so smart, so savvy. I think she’d be a good spy.”
Since Daniel Craig hung up the tuxedo following 2021’s No Time to Die, the Bond 26 casting process has become one of the most scrutinized mysteries in cinema history.
Craig’s 15-year tenure redefined the character as a gritty, vulnerable, yet lethal operative, leaving a massive void that Eon Productions—led by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson—is taking its time to fill.
While the tradition of the “Bond King” is deeply rooted in Ian Fleming’s original novels, the modern era of filmmaking has seen increased calls for a “Jane Bond” or a gender-swapped lead.
However, Broccoli has previously stated that Bond will likely remain male, though she is open to a non-white actor.
Despite this, Feig’s comments have reignited the debate on whether the franchise needs a radical departure to remain relevant in the mid-2020s.
Despite the Sweeney buzz, traditional favorites remain high in the bookies’ odds. Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page, 38, continues to be a fan favorite at 4/1.
In a recent interview with Esquire UK, Page described the intensity of the Bond rumors as “strange” and “not normal,” noting that he works hard to stay grounded amid the “loud” conversation surrounding his potential casting.
Meanwhile, Sweeney’s Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi has seen his odds soar following his brooding performance in Wuthering Heights.
Other names perpetually in the mix include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who reportedly had a successful screen test, as well as Theo James, Jonathan Bailey, and veteran favorite Henry Cavill.
A New Era Under Amazon MGM Studios
The delay in casting may be attributed to a seismic shift behind the scenes. In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, the parent studio of the Bond franchise, for $8.5 billion. For the first time in 30 years, creative control is being shared with a tech giant, though the Broccoli family remains the ultimate gatekeepers of the 007 legacy.
This transition mirrors the lengthy six-year hiatus between Timothy Dalton’s Licence to Kill (1989) and Pierce Brosnan’s GoldenEye (1995). Industry insiders suggest that the current “drought” is a deliberate attempt to “reinvent” the character for a new generation.
The Battle for the Theme Song: Olivia Dean and Raye
While the actor remains unknown, the race for the next Bond Theme is heating up. Following the BRIT Awards, singer Olivia Dean has soared to the top of the betting odds at 2/1, joined by Raye. Both stars are looking to follow in the footsteps of recent Oscar winners like Billie Eilish and Adele. Harry Styles (6/1), Dua Lipa, and Lana Del Rey are also frequently mentioned as top contenders to provide the haunting vocals for the next opening credits sequence.
Directorial Rumors: The Villeneuve Connection
Adding more fuel to the fire is the news that Dune director Denis Villeneuve has been linked to the project. Known for his sweeping visual scale and philosophical depth, Villeneuve would be a massive get for the franchise. His involvement would signal a move toward “Prestige Bond”—high-concept action that appeals to both the box office and award shows.
Will Sydney Sweeney Make the Cut?
At just 28, Sweeney would be the youngest Bond ever if cast, representing a complete tonal shift. While many purists argue for a return to the classic British gentleman, Sweeney’s “savvy” and “smart” persona, as described by Paul Feig, fits the mold of a modern intelligence officer.
Whether it’s Sweeney, Page, or a dark horse candidate, 2026 is widely expected to be the year we finally receive a formal announcement. Until then, the world waits with bated breath to see who will next report to M.