James Bond contenders look a little dull — not exactly licence to thrill

Look, the James Bond rumour mill is churning again, and this time it actually feels like we might finally get the big reveal. Amazon/MGM and Denis Villeneuve (yes, the Dune bloke) are meant to be closing in on their next 007, so naturally there's been a lot of suspiciously specific gossip about who's getting the job. Apparently, we've narrowed it down to a handy shortlist: Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Josh O'Connor, and, because it's never simple, a possible fourth mystery man — either Jacob Elordi, Jack O'Connell, or, if the rumour mill is really taking the mick, a complete unknown they've had hidden up their sleeve.

James Bond fans have been waiting nearly two decades since Daniel Craig was signed, for another complete overhaul of the series with a genuinely new face as 007.

Who's Actually In The Running?

Let's get into the supposed frontrunners, because if you're anything like me, you'll probably think the choices are a bit, well, safe. But history shows that the casting that seems all wrong on paper can surprise everyone – I wasn't doing cartwheels over Daniel Craig at first, but now look.

• Callum Turner – Decent in Masters of the Air, actually quite charming in Eternity, but he isn't exactly oozing with danger, is he? Bond used to stroll into a room and instantly make you a bit nervous (in a good way), but Turner? He's more likely to offer you a cup of tea. Can do the romance, sure, but not sure he's menacing enough for a modern Bond led by Villeneuve. Looks more Marvel hero than MI6 assassin.
• Jack Lowden – Another one you like well enough but can't picture flattening a henchman in a stairwell. He's believable as a smaller-scale spy – had a good go in Slow Horses – but he feels more like a nice lad off the street than some cold-eyed secret agent. Gives me Roger Moore vibes (friendly, a bit twinkly), not so much the brooding menace the reboot apparently wants.
• Josh O'Connor – Now, he would be a real curveball. Not intimidating in the traditional sense, but arguably the most interesting pick, especially when you consider Villeneuve's likely direction. He’s a cracking actor, and when he played a hard-nosed ex-boxer turned priest – opposite Daniel Craig, weirdly enough – he showed he might have it in him to transform completely. Can't see him as a classic Bond off the bat, but maybe this is the one who could reinvent the role entirely.
• Jacob Elordi – A while back, his name was everywhere. The action credentials are there (just about), the look definitely fits, and, if you want the brooding bit, he does that in his sleep. Did a surprisingly gnarly turn in The Dog Stars – even set a bunch of baddies on fire with a cigarette and moonshine, which would play for Bond. But he's 29, maybe a touch too young, and supposedly has dropped out of the running now.

The Wild Cards

The usual chaos agents still get thrown into the mix.

Jack O'Connell pops up semi-regularly. He's said to be a bit 'street' for Bond, but honestly, he managed to posh it up for Danny Boyle in Ink and, frankly, has the edge and sex appeal the role probably needs. Possibly the best actor of the lot, but no idea if he even wants it. There's a good point there: you become Bond, and then you're Bond forever. Career suicide for some, dream move for others.

Then there's Richard Madden. For a short spell after Bodyguard, he seemed nailed on to inherit the tux. But a few big projects later – Eternals, Citadel – and it's obvious the shine has faded a bit. Also, he's forty now, and the studio seems convinced they want someone younger, although let's be honest, both Brosnan and Moore were well into that age bracket when they signed up, and no one batted an eyelid back then.

Whatever route they go, you know the internet will melt down. Maybe they'll surprise us. Maybe we end up with someone nobody's even heard of. But with Villeneuve and Stephen Knight involved, it's hard to imagine they'll play this safe, even if these choices look a bit uninspired on paper.