The next James Bond actor is on the verge of being revealed, with the franchise’s top brass assuring a departure from the norm in the upcoming installment.

Since Daniel Craig’s exit after his fifth portrayal of 007 in “No Time to Die,” followers of the Ian Fleming-inspired series have been speculating for five years about his successor. Names like Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, and Jacob Elordi have been circulating as potential replacements, although the final decision remains under wraps.

Bond producer Amy Pascal disclosed that the announcement of the new spy is imminent, hinting at a reveal towards the end of the year. Pascal emphasized the meticulous approach taken by MGM, now under Amazon’s ownership, in selecting the right candidate to fill Craig’s shoes.

Former Bond star Trina Parks advocated for a female lead on equal footing with the iconic spy. Meanwhile, retired casting director Debbie McWilliams expressed skepticism about the rumored contenders, emphasizing the need to maintain the mystique and professionalism of the character.

Despite speculation about actors like George Mackay and Idris Elba, both have disavowed any involvement in the Bond franchise. Mackay entertained the idea of playing a villain instead, while Elba dismissed the rumors and expressed doubts about certain markets accepting a Black male in the role.

The forthcoming Bond film under Amazon MGM’s banner, helmed by Denis Villeneuve and scripted by Steven Knight, will explore the theme of artificial intelligence’s threat to security, marking a new direction for the iconic franchise.