Timothée Chalamet In Talks For 'Bond' Universe, But Not As 007
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on June 28, 2025 at 9:15 AM EDT
As Denis Villeneuve prepares to direct the next installment in the iconic "007" saga, rumors are swirling that his frequent collaborator, "Dune" star Timothée Chalamet, could be suiting up.
The upcoming film marks a turning point for the franchise, with French-Canadian director Villeneuve stepping in as the first "Bond" director under Amazon’s ownership of MGM Studios. The tech giant’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM also marked the end of an era, as longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepped back from creative control, leaving many to speculate who could fill the shoes of Bond.
But, despite rising speculation, insiders insist Timothée Chalamet won’t be replacing Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. He is, however, being considered for another role.
Timothée Chalamet Sparks 'Bond' Buzz
According to an insider, Timothée Chalamet could be a part of a future "Bond" film, "but in no way shape or form will he be James Bond," the source told the Daily Mail. "An American actor will not play Bond, it is not going to happen, so that leaves Timothée out of the running for the lead.’
It is unclear who he could play, but the insider confirms that Chalamet is being considered, thanks to his previous collaborations with the acclaimed director.
Still, fans are buzzing. Chalamet has racked up critical acclaim for transformative roles as Paul Atreides in "Dune," young Willy Wonka in "Wonka," and Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown." With his box office draw and undeniable charisma, not to mention his headline-making romance with Kylie Jenner, it’s no wonder his name has entered the "Bond" conversation.
Denis Villeneuve Vows To Honor Bond Legacy As Casting Heats Up
Michael G. Wilson, now 83, announced he’d be retiring to focus on charitable efforts, while Barbara Broccoli, now 64, confirmed she’s shifting her focus to new projects.
Meanwhile, new "Bond" director Denis Villeneuve has made it clear he’s not here to reinvent the wheel. He’s here to honor it.
“To me, ['Bond'] is sacred territory,” Villeneuve said in a statement. “I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor."
Casting for the next James Bond remains underway, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson currently the frontrunner after reportedly completing a successful screen test with Broccoli back in 2022.
“The role of Bond is Aaron’s to lose,” a source revealed to the Daily Mail. “Denis understands how important it is to get the casting just right.”
Who’s Next? Meet The Actors Speculated To Take On James Bond
As casting rumors swirl, a number of A-list British actors are being floated as potential heirs to the "Bond" legacy, each bringing their own brand of charisma, grit, and sophistication to the table.
Theo James, best known for his breakout role as Four in the "Divergent" series, has proven he can anchor a franchise. The 39-year-old Oxford-born actor has recently turned heads as the stylish, aristocratic Eddie Horniman in Netflix’s "The Gentlemen," and his Marvel cred is on display with a voice role in "X-Men ’97."
James Norton also continues to gain traction with his brooding versatility. His time on "McMafia" even had him in tuxedos, speaking Russian, and performing martial arts, an unofficial "Bond" audition, according to some fans.
Pierce Brosnan Backs Aaron Taylor-Johnson For 007
If anyone knows what it takes to play James Bond, it’s Pierce Brosnan, and he’s already thrown his support behind one potential successor. Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Taylor-Johnson, a BAFTA-nominated actor whose breakout came playing a young John Lennon in 2008’s "Nowhere Boy," directed by his now-wife, Sam Taylor-Johnson, has been a rising favorite in the "Bond" conversation. And Brosnan, who suited up as 007 in four films including "GoldenEye" and "Die Another Day," believes the 34-year-old has what it takes to carry the torch.
“I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow,” Brosnan said in a 2023 interview. “I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so.”
Matthew Goode Recalls ‘Bombing’ His James Bond Meeting With A Dark Take On 007
Before names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James were swirling around, "Downton Abbey" and "The Offer" star Matthew Goode once had his shot at James Bond, but according to the actor himself, things didn’t quite go as planned.
In a recent interview on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, Goode reflected on a past meeting for the coveted role, admitting he may have taken things a little too dark.
“We’ve gotta take it back to the books, you know?” he recalled telling producers. “Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself, he hates women. He hates a lot of people.”
His brutally honest and brooding interpretation of Ian Fleming’s original character might’ve been a little too gritty for the studio’s liking. “I bombed that one,” Goode joked.
Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet may not be sipping martinis shaken, not stirred, anytime soon, but his potential inclusion in Villeneuve’s "Bond" universe adds to the franchise’s evolving future.
