The search for James Bond's successor has finally come to an end. In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today program, Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders and screenwriter for the new 007 film, confirmed that the iconic role has been cast. Producer Amy Pascal had previously stated that they would find the new Bond by the end of the year.
Knight said that once the lead actor was determined, scriptwriting became smoother. "Knowing who that person is does make the work easier, but you have to write the soul of the character, not tailor it to the actor," he said.
This is the first reboot since Amazon acquired creative control of the 007 franchise, directed by Denis Villeneuve. Knight admitted he is trying to block out external pressure: "All I can say is that it feels like doing my duty for King and Country—as a British writer, you have to take on this job." He added that he feels a sense of responsibility toward Ian Fleming's original works and emphasized that Bond "has its own universe, it's not DC or Marvel."
Although casting is complete, the actor's identity has not been officially announced. Speculated candidates include Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is also a hotly tipped candidate—his recent contract with Omega, the official watch brand of the Bond franchise, has sparked widespread speculation.
Amazon officially took creative control of the Bond franchise last year and hired Nina Gold, the casting director for Game of Thrones, to lead the reboot. Gold won the inaugural Oscar for Best Casting last year for Hamnet.
More information may be revealed next month—October 5 is the official "James Bond Day," commemorating the release of the first 007 film, Dr. No.