Hold the martinis — a rumour says James Bond's next 007 might be set

It feels like we say this every six months, but here we go: the chat around James Bond has kicked off again, and if the latest rumour is to be believed, we might actually be close to finding out who will be Britain's next favourite blunt instrument. The question, as ever: will they ever just announce the thing and put us all out of our misery?

I hear they’re in the final round of casting for James Bond and might have already found their guy,

That’s straight from Daniel Richtman, a well-known film industry leaker, who posted the above reveal. If he knows more, he’s keeping names to himself — so no need to pester your bookie just yet.

For what it’s worth, Richtman’s track record is decent enough that fans perk up whenever he tweets. Still, until someone in a suit says something in front of a wall plastered with 007 logos, this is just rumour territory. Official word? Nowhere in sight.

Bond Betting Board

Now, if you like a bit of Bond speculation (and honestly, who doesn’t at this stage?), there’s been a fresh name doing the rounds. Just a few weeks back, TV host Richard Osman offered up his own pick during an episode of his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, and he reckons it could be Jack Lowden.

The name I've heard is Jack Lowden. It is definitely not a ‘he’s definitely got it’ thing. He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he’d be amazing.

Lowden’s best known these days for starring in Slow Horses on Apple TV+ — in which, fittingly, he plays a clever, reckless former MI5 agent. This year, he's set to show up as Mr. Darcy in yet another telly version of Pride and Prejudice, and his film credits include Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots, and Ella McCay. He’s very much the rising star you’d expect Bond producers to zero in on.

Elsewhere, the wild speculation machine is still in good health. Bookies and Reddit threads alike have been bouncing around other big names: Jacob Elordi has his supporters, Henry Cavill never left the running in the public consciousness, plus there’s Callum Turner, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, and Aaron Pierre — the usual mix of fan favourites and tabloid ‘exclusives’.

• The new favourite rumoured: Jack Lowden, of Slow Horses and Dunkirk fame
• Other possible Bonds: Jacob Elordi, Henry Cavill, Callum Turner, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Aaron Pierre

So, in short: yes, the casting is apparently down to the wire, and yes, if certain insiders are on the money, we could be days or weeks away from producers finally naming Daniel Craig’s successor. But until you see that official press release, keep the tux on standby.