The Australian actor Jacob Elordi is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with producers to become the next James Bond, stepping into one of cinema’s most iconic roles following Daniel Craig’s departure. Sources close to the production indicate that Elordi has already held high-level meetings with director Denis Villeneuve and representatives from Amazon MGM Studios, the new stewards of the franchise. While no contract has been signed and screen tests are still anticipated in the coming months, insiders suggest the 28-year-old is emerging as a frontrunner in what has become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched casting races.

The news has sent shockwaves through the film community and ignited passionate debate among longtime Bond fans. At the heart of the discussion lies a fundamental question: Can an Australian actor, born and raised far from the British Isles, authentically embody the quintessentially British secret agent 007? The James Bond series has long maintained an unspoken tradition of casting British (or at least Commonwealth-adjacent) actors in the lead role, with only one notable exception—George Lazenby, an Australian who played Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).

Lazenby’s single-film tenure is often remembered as a brief detour rather than a shift in direction, and the franchise quickly returned to British stars like Sean Connery (Scottish), Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

Elordi’s potential casting would mark a significant break from that pattern. At 6’5″ with a commanding physical presence honed through roles in Euphoria, Saltburn, Priscilla, and the recently Oscar-nominated performance as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Elordi brings a towering intensity that could redefine Bond’s physicality. Producers are said to be seeking a younger, more athletic interpretation for the reboot, aiming to attract a new generation of viewers while refreshing the franchise under Amazon’s stewardship. A mid-2026 decision timeline aligns with Villeneuve’s schedule post-Dune: Part Three, with principal photography eyed for late 2026 or early 2027.

Supporters of Elordi’s candidacy point to his proven versatility and rising star power. His portrayal of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla demonstrated a nuanced grasp of charisma, vulnerability, and cultural iconography—qualities essential for Bond, a character who must effortlessly navigate high-stakes espionage, luxury, and seduction. In Saltburn, Elordi showcased a darker, more manipulative edge, hinting at the moral ambiguity that has defined modern interpretations of 007. His recent Oscar nod for Frankenstein further bolsters his credentials, elevating him from television heartthrob to serious dramatic actor in the eyes of industry gatekeepers.

Yet critics argue that nationality remains a non-negotiable cornerstone of Bond’s identity. James Bond is, after all, a product of Ian Fleming’s distinctly British imagination—a product of post-war England, Eton, and the Secret Intelligence Service. The character’s dry wit, impeccable tailoring, and unflappable demeanor have historically been delivered with a particular accent and cultural shorthand that audiences associate with Britishness. Casting a non-Brit could dilute that essence, some fans contend, turning 007 into a more generic global action hero rather than the specific Cold War-era gentleman spy.

Online forums and social media have erupted with divided opinions. On platforms like Reddit’s r/JamesBond and X (formerly Twitter), threads debate the merits of an “Aussie Bond.” One viral post quipped, “Bond. James Bond… mate?” while others praised Elordi’s physical suitability: “At 6’5″, he’d tower over villains like no other 007—imagine the fight scenes.” Detractors, however, invoke tradition: “Bond isn’t just any spy; he’s a British institution.

Next they’ll cast an American as Sherlock Holmes.” Comparisons to Lazenby abound, with many noting that the Australian’s brief stint was marred by off-screen tensions and a lack of chemistry with the production team—factors that could resurface if cultural differences prove challenging.

The franchise’s evolution under Amazon MGM adds another layer of complexity. With Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping back from day-to-day creative control, the series is poised for reinvention. Villeneuve, known for his visually stunning, introspective epics like Dune and Blade Runner 2049, is expected to bring a more cerebral, cinematic approach to Bond—perhaps emphasizing psychological depth over gadget-heavy spectacle. Elordi’s dramatic range could align well with such a vision, offering a Bond who is as haunted and complex as the worlds Villeneuve typically builds.

Historically, the Bond role has launched or revitalized careers. Connery became a global icon, Moore brought levity, Brosnan revived the series in the 1990s, and Craig grounded it in gritty realism. Whoever lands the part next inherits a legacy of 25 films spanning nearly seven decades. Elordi, still early in his ascent, would be the youngest Bond ever—younger even than Lazenby at the time of his casting—potentially setting the stage for a decade-long tenure.

As negotiations reportedly reach their climax, the industry watches closely. A formal announcement could come as early as mid-2026, with Elordi donning the tuxedo for screen tests that will include the classic “shaken, not stirred” line and high-octane action sequences. Whether he ultimately secures the role or not, the mere suggestion of Jacob Elordi as 007 has already sparked one of the most vigorous debates in recent franchise history.

For purists, the idea challenges sacred tradition. For a new wave of fans raised on streaming and global cinema, it represents exciting progress—an opportunity to see Bond evolve beyond borders. In an era when franchises increasingly prioritize international appeal, Elordi’s Australian roots might not be a liability but an asset, broadening 007’s reach in markets long craving representation.

Only time—and the producers’ final call—will determine if Jacob Elordi becomes the next James Bond. Until then, the question lingers: Is the world ready for an Aussie 007, or will tradition once again prevail?