Anticipation over who will take the torch from Daniel Craig as the next spy has been massive. With expectations soaring, Amazon MGM Studios has placed its trust in famed casting director Nina Gold, who is best known for assembling the iconic cast of Game of Thrones, and has begun the auditions to find the cast of the next James Bond movie. After all, Craig set the bar incredibly high during his five-film run as James Bond, leaving behind enormous shoes to fill in. 

And bringing Gold on board tells much about the Studio’s careful approach to writing the next chapter of the franchise.

As per Variety, Amazon MGM Studios has officially begun auditions for the next James Bond film. While the studio has remained tight-lipped about specific details, it has confirmed the news. And to find the right cast, the studio has seemingly turned to Nina Gold, who was recently nominated for the Academy Award for casting for her work on Hamnet.

Gold has previously worked on acclaimed projects including The Crown, Game of Thrones, Les Misérables, The Martian, and Conclave. She has also worked on five films in the Star Wars franchise, including casting Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Gold’s experience clearly makes her a strong fit for the job, which only raises expectations even further. However, her task will not be easy. 

Ever since Daniel Craig announced his exit from the James Bond franchise, countless names have been linked to the role. Speculation intensified even more after Jeff Bezos publicly asked fans whom they wanted as the next James Bond. Since then, actors like James McAvoy, Theo James, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Jacob Elordi have all emerged as fan-favorite choices, with the list continuing to grow. 

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Unfortunately for fans, one of the most popular fancasts for James Bond may ultimately never suit up for the iconic role.

Henry Cavill has long been part of the conversation to play James Bond. In fact, during auditions for Casino Royale, he reportedly made it to the final stages before ultimately losing the role to Daniel Craig, who showed a brilliant performance. Now, however, Cavill feels it may simply be too late for him to step into the role of the spy.

“I didn't turn the role down – it just wasn't the right time. What actor wouldn't love to be Bond?” he told Heat Magazine. "But at 42, I'd probably be considered a bit old to start now,” he added.

The actor has expressed concerns about the long-term commitment the franchise demands, especially since the films could span well over a decade. Still, while Cavill may believe the opportunity has passed, the possibility cannot be ruled out entirely. At the same time, there is just as much chance that the studio could surprise audiences by introducing a completely new face as the next Bond.

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What do you think about Nina Gold joining the team to find the next 007? Let us know in the comments.