A rumor hit last week claiming Jacob Elordi is the new James Bond at Amazon Studios. Now, a major industry insider says not so fast.
On his podcast, former THR editor and entertainment lawyer Matt Belloni says there is no Bond cast, no finished script, and no announcement coming anytime soon.
Here’s what’s really going on.
No Actor Cast As James Bond Yet
According to Belloni, the speculation about Elordi is premature.
“There has been no actor cast as James Bond. There has been no script delivered yet. Stephen Knight is still working on the script. They will not choose a James Bond likely until the spring or summer,” said Belloni.
That directly contradicts the viral claims that Elordi has already locked down the role.
If Belloni’s intel is right, Amazon isn’t close to naming its new 007.
Script Still In The Works
The upcoming Bond film is being written by Stephen Knight, best known for Peaky Blinders. But Belloni says the script hasn’t been delivered yet.
That alone makes a casting announcement unlikely.
Studios typically finalize a script — or at least a polished draft — before committing to a long-term lead actor, especially for a franchise as massive as James Bond.
If the screenplay isn’t ready, the studio likely isn’t ready either.
Why Jacob Elordi Might Not Fit Bond
Belloni and his co-host also questioned whether Elordi makes sense creatively and pointed out that Callum Turner is a better choice, who is also rumored to be the new 007.
Their main points are that Elordi is 6’5” or 6’6” — unusually tall for a spy — and that he’s already extremely famous. They add that Elordi is Australian, not British, and that Elordi may not want a restrictive multi-film Amazon deal.
They joked that Elordi would “stick out in every room,” making it harder to sell him as a covert operative.
The pair also pointed out that Bond actors are usually cast before becoming global megastars. When Daniel Craig debuted in Casino Royale, he wasn’t nearly as famous as Elordi is now.
Elordi currently has an Oscar nomination buzz and stars in HBO’s Euphoria. That level of visibility could work against him for a role traditionally built around reinvention.
Amazon Wants A Younger Bond
Belloni predicts Amazon is targeting someone in the 27–32 age range to reset the franchise with a younger Bond.
He suggested it’s more likely the studio chooses a strong but less famous actor, someone willing to sign a long-term, possibly restrictive deal, and an actor open to spinoffs and multiple films
Amazon reportedly wants flexibility — potentially including TV spinoffs — which means whoever lands Bond may be tied up for years.
That could make someone already juggling major franchises less appealing.
What Happens Next?
If Belloni is correct, fans won’t hear official casting news until late spring or summer at the earliest.
Until then, the Jacob Elordi rumor looks like just that, a rumor.
Amazon is rebooting one of the biggest franchises in film history. They’re unlikely to rush it.
