New 007 Favorite Revealed – And He’s Already Played a King’s Man!

The search for the next James Bond has been a hot topic since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021 following the release of No Time to Die. With the James Bond franchise now partially under Amazon MGM Studios’ control after their 2022 acquisition of MGM, the casting process has become even more scrutinized. Speculation about who will step into the iconic role of 007 has intensified, with fans, critics, and bookmakers offering their opinions on the most likely candidates.

Among the names that continue to emerge in the conversation is Harris Dickinson, the rising star known for his performance in The King’s Man (2021). According to a British GQ article published in March 2025, Dickinson has found himself among the top contenders for the coveted role, a position bolstered by his increasing profile and the fact that he has no upcoming projects, fueling rumors that he might be in talks for the part.

“He’s a Real King’s Man” – The Connection to The King’s Man

The phrase “He’s a Real King’s Man” seems to be a nod to Harris Dickinson’s role in The King’s Man, the 2021 prequel to the Kingsman franchise, which further solidifies his connection to the spy genre. In The King’s Man, Dickinson portrayed the character of young Orlando, aligning with the British espionage archetype that is so synonymous with James Bond. Given the similarities in tone between Kingsman and James Bond, this connection has sparked fresh speculation that Dickinson could be the perfect fit to carry on the 007 legacy.

At 28, Dickinson fits the typical age range for a long-term Bond commitment, a crucial factor when selecting an actor for a role that typically spans a decade or more. Producer Barbara Broccoli previously indicated that the next Bond should be someone who could grow into the role over several years, and Dickinson’s age makes him an ideal candidate for this type of long-term engagement.

Rising Star with a Growing Profile

While other actors such as James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Tom Hardy have been long-time favorites for the role, Dickinson has quickly gained momentum. Metro News reported in February 2025 that bookmakers have slashed Dickinson’s odds, with his name increasingly appearing in discussions surrounding the next Bond. The article noted that experts see his rising star power, combined with his standout role in The King’s Man, as a key factor in his candidacy.

Further supporting this is the fact that Dickinson’s IMDb page lists no upcoming projects, a detail that many Bond watchers have pointed to as a potential sign that the actor might already be locked in for the role. Given the secrecy surrounding major casting decisions in the Bond franchise, this absence of future commitments only adds fuel to the speculation that Dickinson could be taking on the iconic role.

Why Dickinson Fits the Bill

Harris Dickinson’s portrayal of young Orlando in The King’s Man showcased his ability to perform in a spy thriller, blending action with complex character work. His experience in the spy genre, combined with his youthful energy, makes him an ideal candidate to take over from Daniel Craig. Unlike older candidates like Henry Cavill, who have been ruled out by some experts due to their age and the need for a Bond who can carry the role forward for several films, Dickinson’s age and versatility make him an excellent fit for the role.

His openness to the possibility of playing Bond has also been noted in past interviews. In a July 2023 interview with MovieWeb, Dickinson said, “You’d be a fool not to entertain that role,” signaling his interest in taking on the iconic part if given the opportunity.

The Competition and What Sets Dickinson Apart

While there are numerous actors vying for the role, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton, Dickinson stands out for his specific connection to the spy genre and his emerging profile. His performance in The King’s Man demonstrated his ability to handle a mix of action and emotional depth, qualities that are crucial for a successful James Bond portrayal. Additionally, his rising popularity and current lack of future commitments indicate that he could be a front-runner for the role in the near future.

Though the race for the next Bond is far from over, Harris Dickinson’s recent buzz and clear connection to the espionage genre make him a compelling contender. With the Bond franchise set to undergo a fresh evolution under Amazon’s stewardship, it will be interesting to see if Dickinson’s rising star aligns with the producers’ vision for the future of 007.

Conclusion

Harris Dickinson’s increasing visibility in the James Bond conversation has placed him among the top contenders to replace Daniel Craig as 007. His performance in The King’s Man, combined with his youthful energy and growing profile, makes him a strong candidate for the iconic role. While other actors remain in the mix, Dickinson’s connection to the spy genre and his openness to the opportunity make him a standout choice. As the search for the next Bond intensifies, it’s clear that Harris Dickinson could very well be the “real King’s Man” fans have been waiting for.