The new James Bond actor will be cast by the end of the year, according to one of the producers on the spy franchise.

The 26th instalment in the spy franchise is being directed by Denis Villeneuve, and written by Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight. However, little else is known about the movie, with speculation growing as to who could step into the famous role of 007.

The casting process officially began in May, with various actors in contention. Reports emerged that Tom Holland is unable to pursue the role due to his Marvel contract, while Taron Egerton ruled himself out. Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi are both candidates, with the former remaining tight-lipped on the subject.

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Now, Deadline have secured some idea of a timeline as to when the new 007 will be unveiled. Amy Pascal, the former Sony Pictures chair who is a producer on the project, spoke to the outlet about when an announcement can be expected.

“I would say the end of the year is a good bet,” she said. “We are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is a stirring and exciting and different.”

Bond 26 will be the first movie since Craig’s departure in 2021’s No Time To Die, marking one of the longest periods between Bond films. In 2024, the star gave a blunt reply when asked who he thought might succeed him. His co-star, Léa Seydoux, recently said she was “sad” Bond has been bought by Amazon.

Elsewhere, a Chris Martin demo for a potential Bond song was among several early Coldplay recordings that went up for sale recently.

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