Living

George Clooney Names the 'Perfect' Next James Bond

With Daniel Craig's tenure as the iconic British spy James Bond officially over following his appearance in 2021's No Time to Die, it's time for the franchise to name the next iteration of the legendary spy, and A-list actor George Clooney has the "perfect" actor in mind.

While there are several actors who would be a good fit to become the next Bond, there has been a lot of speculation that Callum Turner could take over the role, and it sounds like he has Clooney's stamp of approval.

Time for a New Bond

Before No Time to Die even hit the theaters back in 2021, Craig made it clear that it would be his last time portraying Bond. This was confirmed by the ending of the movie, where Craig's Bond actually died in the final moments of the film.

Still, the movie promised, "James Bond will return," and the next iteration of the story is now in the process, with Amazon MGM buying the Bond franchise outright and announcing last month that the search for the next Bond actor was officially underway.

"The search for the next James Bond is underway," an official statement from Amazon MGM read last month. "While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right."

Callum Turner Would be a Good Fit

Turner certainly fits the mold. He's English and 36 years old, which is two years younger than Craig was when he first starred as Bond in Casino Royale in 2006. He's also 6-foot-2, the same height as perhaps the most iconic Bond, Sean Connery.

There's actually been plenty of smoke that Turner could be the next Bond.

Back in January, rumors and reports indicated that Turner had met with Denis Villeneuve, who is directing the 26th official James Bond film, leading many to believe that Turner had been given the part. However, at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, Turner threw cold water on the rumors.

"It's very early for that question," Turner said. "I'm not going to comment on it."

Still, that obviously is not a denial from Turner. If anything, it leaves the possibility open that he could indeed be the next Bond actor.

George Clooney Weighs In

Whether he's the frontrunner or not, Turner clearly has earned Clooney's stamp of approval.

"I hope Callum [Turner] ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond," Clooney told The Hollywood Reporter for a profile of Turner that published June 10. "He's tall and handsome and charming and British, so he's the perfect guy to do it."

It's not just the look or the accent, though. Clooney is impressed with Turner's body of work.

"He hasn't just gone for the easy paychecks – he's done really interesting work," Clooney said. "Somehow Callum has weaved his way through all of the noise and found a place where people look at him and go, 'There's something with this young man.'"

We'll have to see whether or not Clooney gets his wish.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 2:52 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER