DECODE WHY Agent 007 must be British and under 30 – Yet TOP 3 contender Jacob Elordi is Australian: What’s going on?

After months of speculation, Amazon MGM Studios has narrowed down the shortlist of potential candidates for the role of secret agent 007 to just three young names: Jacob Elordi (Saltburn), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), and Harris Dickinson (Babygirl). According to Variety, the studio is specifically seeking a British actor under the age of 30. Although Jacob Elordi is Australian, he’s still in the running since fellow Australian actor George Lazenby once played Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).

At the same time, Amazon also announced the director for the new installment: Denis Villeneuve, known for his acclaimed work on the Dune films. Denis shared that he’s been a di3-hard James Bond fan since childhood and considers the franchise “sacred ground” that deserves deep respect. For him, leading this project is both a tremendous responsibility and a great honor.

Previously, following Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios in 2022, the company officially secured distribution rights and, more recently, creative control over the James Bond franchise. Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson—the children of legendary producer Albert R. Broccoli—who had been steering the 007 brand since 1995.

Denis Villeneuve stepping into the director’s chair is widely seen as bringing a fresh artistic vision to Bond, blending his signature cinematic style with the classic action-adventure spirit of the series. Amy Pascal and David Heyman, the new producers replacing Barbara and Michael, also described it as “a dream come true” to collaborate with Denis.

With Daniel Craig concluding his Bond era in No Time to Di3 (2021), the biggest question among fans remains: who will be the next to wear the iconic tuxedo? Previously, Barbara Broccoli was said to favor Aaron Taylor-Johnson for the role, but now the final decision likely rests with Amy Pascal and David Heyman—meaning the ultimate pick remains a mystery.

In addition, Amazon is fast-tracking the project, aiming for a release by late next year or in 2027. Due to a filming ban in central London next year, the studio is considering alternative locations like Liverpool—a city that has doubled as various international settings in films like The Batman, Harry Potter, and Captain America. While this has sparked concerns among di3-hard Bond fans about losing the franchise’s traditional London backdrop, the producers reassure that it’s just a change of scenery and the film’s spirit will stay true.

Amazon has also dismissed rumors of creating a “Bond multiverse” or returning to the classic 1960s Bond era. Instead, they envision a modern, youthful Bond that resonates with a new generation while remaining true to the core essence: a sophisticated, intelligent, and charismatic secret agent.

Beyond the feature film, Amazon may explore additional games or side projects but insists it won’t “milk” the brand by flooding it with endless spin-offs in the style of Star Wars.

Audiences now eagerly await: will it be Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, or Harris Dickinson stepping into the iconic role? And what new face of Bond will Denis Villeneuve deliver?

Though nothing is confirmed yet, one thing is certain: this is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated film projects of the decade.