The hunt for the next James Bond is heating up behind the scenes, with former 007 star Daniel Craig reportedly throwing his weight behind a surprising yet compelling contender: Josh O’Connor.
According to an exclusive source close to Hollywoodall, Craig has been vocal in supporting O’Connor, believing the 34-year-old actor is the ideal candidate to step into the iconic role.
Craig, who portrayed the suave MI6 agent from 2006 to 2021 across five films, including Casino Royale and No Time to Die, has been particularly impressed by O’Connor’s breakout performance in Netflix’s The Crown.
“Daniel has all but publicly endorsed Josh as the next Bond,” revealed an insider. “He’s been captivated by Josh’s talent and believes he has the right mix of charisma and depth to carry the franchise forward.”
The source emphasized that Craig’s endorsement carries significant weight, given his close relationship with Barbara Broccoli, the longtime producer of the Bond series.
“Daniel’s opinion matters immensely to Barbara, who values his insights, especially when it comes to casting decisions of this magnitude,” the insider added
One of the key factors driving Craig’s support is O’Connor’s distinct energy, which contrasts sharply with Craig’s own portrayal of Bond. “Josh brings a completely different vibe to the table,” the insider explained.
“Daniel has been advising the producers on the future of the franchise, and they’ve all agreed that the next Bond should be as different from Daniel as Daniel was from Pierce Brosnan.”
Brosnan, who played Bond from 1995 to 2002 in films like Golden eye and Die Another Day, set a high bar for the role, which Craig later redefined with a grittier, more introspective take.
O’Connor, meanwhile, is seen as a potential return to the classic Bond archetype described in Ian Fleming’s original novels.
“Josh has a throwback quality that aligns with the literary Bond,” the source noted. “With the right physical transformation, he could easily embody the character’s iconic charm and grit.”
At 34, O’Connor is also considered the perfect age to embark on a long-term commitment to the role. “He could easily give the franchise a solid 15 years, just as Daniel did,” the insider pointed out. “Creatively, they’re on the same page, and Josh has the talent and dedication to make it work.”
The search for the next Bond has been a topic of intense speculation in recent months, with fans and industry insiders alike eagerly awaiting news about who will take on the mantle in the 26th installment of the franchise.
While O’Connor has emerged as a frontrunner, the decision is far from finalized.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the longtime stewards of the Bond series, have emphasized the importance of finding the right actor to lead the franchise into its next chapter.
“Every time we cast a new Bond, the films evolve,” Wilson, 83, remarked at last year’s Governors Awards. “It’s about embracing a new direction and the excitement that comes with it.”
However, the process has been complicated by the involvement of Amazon MGM Studios, which now holds creative control over the franchise.
“The Bond producers and Amazon need to align creatively before moving forward,” the source explained. “Once that’s resolved, they’ll make an official announcement. A Thanksgiving 2026 release isn’t out of the question if the impasse is resolved soon.”
Beyond his acting chops, O’Connor’s English heritage is seen as a crucial factor in his favor. “Both Daniel and Josh are true-blue Englishmen, which is essential for the character and for fans worldwide,” the insider noted. “Josh is perfectly positioned to take on this role and make it his own.”
As the Bond franchise continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the next 007 will need to embody a unique blend of charm, intensity, and timeless appeal. With Daniel Craig’s endorsement and a growing wave of support, Josh O’Connor may just be the actor to usher in a thrilling new era for James Bond.
For now, fans will have to wait patiently as the producers navigate the creative and logistical challenges ahead. But if all goes according to plan, the world could soon be introduced to a Bond unlike any we’ve seen before.
