‘Game of Thrones’ Casting Vet Leading
The hunt for the next James Bond is officially on.
Amazon MGM Studios began auditioning actors for the role of 007 in recent weeks, Variety has learned, with the studio enlisting Nina Gold’s help to find the man with the suavity and danger needed to replace Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming’s super-spy.
“The search for the next James Bond is ongoing,” Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement. “While we do not intend to comment on specific details during the casting process, we are excited to share more news with 007 fans when the time is right.”
Gold did not respond to a request for comment, but a source with knowledge of the production confirmed his involvement. His commitment to the 26th James Bond film takes on its full meaning. Gold understands the complexities of major franchises and is best known for populating the world of Westeros in HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” His credits include the Netflix series “The Crown,” as well as five films in the Star Wars franchise. The latter gig saw her portray Daisy Ridley as Rey in “The Force Awakens.” Gold’s credits also include “Les Miserables,” “The Martian” and “Conclave.” She was nominated for an Oscar for her work on “Hamnet” in 2025 – the first year the Academy presented an award for casting.
Debbie McWilliams served as casting director on “The Living Daylights,” “Goldeneye” and “Casino Royale,” helping to find Craig, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton. Sean Connery, Roger Moore and George Lazenby are the other actors who got Bond’s license to kill.
The next James Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind the “Dune,” “Arrival” and “Sicario” franchises. Amy Pascal of the “Spider-Man” films and David Heyman of the “Harry Potter” series will produce the film, which will feature a script by “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight. Tanya Lapointe (“Dune”) is executive producer of the film.
Even before auditions began, there was widespread speculation about who might wield Bond’s Walther PPK, with rumors that everyone from Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be in the running for the role.
Last month at CinemaCon, Courtenay Valenti, head of cinema at Amazon MGM, gave a little update on Bond casting.
“We take the time to do this with care and deep respect,” she said. “It’s a lifelong dream for all of us to bring audiences to this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. What I can tell you is this: When you combine one of the most beloved franchises in history with a team of world-class filmmakers, including brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, extraordinary producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe and screenwriter Steven Knight, you are setting the stage for something that is truly worthy of the Bond legacy This film is coming, and when the time is right, we will have much more to share.
