Jacob Elordi: The Next James Bond? Inside the High-Stakes Meetings That Could Redefine 007
The James Bond franchise has always thrived on mystery, intrigue, and the occasional bombshell rumor that sends shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. In late January 2026, one such bombshell landed with the force of a Walther PPK gunshot: reports emerged that Australian actor Jacob Elordi, the 28-year-old breakout star fresh off an Oscar nomination for his haunting turn in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, had held direct meetings with director Denis Villeneuve and executives at Amazon MGM Studios about stepping into the tuxedo of the world’s most famous secret agent.
The whispers began quietly but escalated rapidly. Industry insider Roger Friedman broke the story, claiming Elordi had sat down with Bond producers, Amazon MGM leadership, and Villeneuve himself—the visionary filmmaker behind and now officially at the helm of Bond 26. No formal offer has been extended, sources stress, but the conversations were substantive enough to fuel speculation that Elordi is emerging as the frontrunner in what has been one of the most closely guarded casting processes in cinematic history.
This is no idle gossip. The Bond franchise, now under the creative control of Amazon MGM following its seismic acquisition of MGM in 2022, is poised for a major reboot. Daniel Craig’s era ended with 2021’s , leaving a void that producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson—longtime stewards of the series—have been filling with deliberate caution. Amazon’s involvement promises a new chapter: bigger budgets, global streaming reach, and a willingness to reinvent the character for a post-Craig audience. Enter Villeneuve, announced as director in June 2025, and screenwriter Steven Knight (), who is crafting a script that reportedly leans into an earlier, more origin-focused Bond timeline.
Denis Villeneuve, the cerebral auteur whose epic visuals and psychological depth transformed Dune into a modern masterpiece, brings an unprecedented gravitas to the Bond franchise. His style—vast, brooding, and intensely character-driven—could elevate 007 beyond gadget-laden escapism into something more existential. Villeneuve has long been a fan of the series, and his involvement signals Amazon’s intent to treat Bond as prestige cinema rather than mere blockbuster fare.
Into this high-stakes arena steps Jacob Elordi. Standing at an imposing 6’5″, with chiseled features, piercing eyes, and a natural air of detached charisma, Elordi possesses the physicality that has defined many Bonds. But he offers more than just looks. His career trajectory reads like a calculated ascent: from the rom-com charm of Netflix’s The Kissing Booth trilogy to the raw vulnerability of Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, the sinister allure of Felix in Saltburn, and the tragic depth of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. His Oscar-nominated performance as the Creature in del Toro’s Frankenstein—a role blending physical transformation with profound emotional isolation—earned him a Critics Choice Award and cemented his status as a serious actor capable of complex, layered portrayals.
Elordi’s appeal lies in his duality: he can exude boyish vulnerability one moment and cold menace the next. Ian Fleming’s original Bond was not the suave playboy of film lore but a ruthless, scarred operative haunted by his past. Elordi’s ability to convey inner turmoil beneath a polished exterior—seen in Nate’s toxic volatility or the Creature’s tormented humanity—aligns strikingly with that darker, more introspective 007. At 28, he would be one of the youngest Bonds ever (only George Lazenby was younger at 29), allowing the franchise to explore a Bond early in his career—perhaps even an origin story of how a young naval intelligence officer became the lethal agent we know.
The meetings themselves are shrouded in the secrecy that defines Bond casting. According to multiple outlets, Elordi’s discussions included not just courtesy chats but substantive talks about the character’s arc, Villeneuve’s vision, and how Elordi might interpret the role. A screen test—complete with the iconic tuxedo fitting and action sequences—has been rumored for early 2026, a standard rite of passage for would-be 007s.
Yet not everyone is convinced. Elordi’s height has sparked backlash; some fans argue he towers over typical Bond proportions, potentially complicating fight choreography or chemistry with leading ladies. His Australian nationality draws parallels to Lazenby—the only non-British Bond—but critics wonder if Amazon will stick to tradition and prioritize a British actor. Other contenders remain in the mix: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, Regé-Jean Page, and even Idris Elba have been mentioned over the years. Betting odds shifted dramatically in Elordi’s favor, with some bookmakers slashing his line from 20/1 to 6/1 overnight.
Fan reactions have been electric and polarized. On social media, supporters hail Elordi as the perfect “fresh face” Villeneuve reportedly seeks—someone unburdened by prior franchise baggage, capable of carrying a multi-film arc. Detractors, however, decry the rumors as hype, pointing to Elordi’s relative inexperience in action-heavy roles and the franchise’s tradition of seasoned stars in their 30s or 40s (Sean Connery was 31 when cast; Craig was 38). One viral post summed up the divide: “Elordi has the look, the intensity, and now the awards cred. But is he Bond? Or just the internet’s crush of the moment?”
A Villeneuve-Elordi Bond would be unlike any before. Villeneuve’s signature style—slow-burn tension, monumental visuals, and psychological depth—could transform the series. Imagine the gun-barrel sequence shot with Dune-like scale: a vast desert or icy tundra backdrop, Bond emerging from shadow with deliberate menace. Knight’s script, blending gritty realism with high-stakes espionage, might delve into Bond’s psychological scars, his loyalty to Queen and country tested in a fractured world. Elordi’s imposing frame and brooding intensity could make physical confrontations visceral, while his emotional range could humanize the icon in ways Craig did but with a younger, more volatile edge.
The broader implications are staggering. Amazon MGM’s control opens doors to streaming integration, global marketing, and perhaps serialized elements. A younger Bond could appeal to Gen Z audiences, introducing 007 to a new generation while retaining the sophistication that defines the brand. If Elordi signs on, he could anchor a trilogy or more—Villeneuve has hinted he may not commit long-term, but a strong debut could extend his involvement.
Elordi himself has remained silent, a move that only amplifies the intrigue. In interviews, he’s spoken of his love for challenging roles and his desire to evolve beyond heartthrob status. Landing Bond would catapult him into the stratosphere, joining the elite ranks of Connery, Moore, Brosnan, and Craig. It would also mark a bold evolution for the franchise—one that embraces youth, diversity of interpretation, and auteur-driven vision.
As principal photography eyes 2027 and an announcement looms later in 2026, the world waits. Will Jacob Elordi be the next James Bond? The meetings suggest he’s closer than ever. In a franchise built on secrets, this one may soon be revealed—and when it is, it could change cinema forever.
The martini is shaken, the Aston Martin is idling, and the world is watching. The name is Bond… James Bond. And perhaps, very soon, that name will belong to Jacob Elordi.
