Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 25, 2025 · Entertainment

Is Jonathan Bailey Set to Become the New James Bond? Martini Hint Raises Hopes

With a MARTINI Spritz in hand and the Mediterranean serving as a backdrop, one could be forgiven for thinking Bond candidate Jonathan Bailey was filming his first scenes as 007

SHAKE, NOT STIR: THE JAMES BOND SAGA TAKES A WILD TURN WITH MARTINI-LOVING HEARTTHROB JONATHAN BAILEY AS TOP CONTENDER TO PLAY 007!

In a shocking turn of events, the world's most iconic spy franchise has taken an unexpected detour with dashing heartthrob Jonathan Bailey emerging as a top contender to play James Bond. And if that's not enough, he's got a Martini (shaken, not stirred, of course) in hand and the Mediterranean Sea serving as his glamorous backdrop.

For years, fans have been on edge waiting for the announcement of Daniel Craig's successor to don the iconic tuxedo, but it seems Amazon's recent acquisition of the franchise has thrown everything up in the air. With a new film reportedly fast-tracked for release at the end of next year or 2027, the guessing game is heating up.

The iconic role remains open to offers some four years after Daniel Craig ditched the tuxedo, hung up the Walther PP and handed over the keys to his beloved Aston Martin

And Bailey, best known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix's hit series "Bridgerton," is the latest addition to the ever-growing list of potential Bond contenders. Joining forces with Martini, he's posing for a new promotional campaign that has everyone talking. Who knew playing Bond was all about going off script?

Meanwhile, bookmakers are still betting on Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the most likely candidate to take over at odds of 11/8, while Theo James sits at 7/2. But don't count out Regé-Jean Page, Richard Madden, and Idris Elba, who have all been touted for the role.

In a surprise twist, Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy has topped the list to play Bond's arch-nemesis at odds of 9/2, followed closely by Paul Giamatti (11/2), David Dastmalchian (13/2), and Zendaya (7/1). Yes, you read that right – Zendaya is ready to unleash her inner villain!

Bailey and the Italian aperitivo brand are calling on audiences to break from routine and go 'Off Script' this summer by swapping predictable plans for spontaneous moments

As the debate rages on about who will be the next Bond, Amazon bosses are busy considering locations for the new film. Sources close to the production reveal that Liverpool is a strong contender, which could mean the end of London as we know it. An insider spilled: "This will no doubt irk Bond purists... But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for filmmakers."

And so, the world waits with bated breath for the next move in this high-stakes game of spy vs. spy. Will Bailey be the one to shake things up? Only time (and a well-made Martini) will tell.

READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE ON THESCHOLARLYNOTE.COM

Filmed in southern Italy - a favourite spot he returns to every year - Bailey left his carefully scripted characters and cult on-screen roles behind to embrace a summer of spontaneity

'Going off script is the ultimate way to allow space for fun, and new experiences,' he said in an accompanying press release. 'Unplanned moments end up being the most unforgettable'

in the mix, with William Hill putting him at 8/1

The bookmaker sees Aaron Taylor-Johnson the most likely to take over at odds of 11/8 (Seen in August)

Pierre's odds put him at the same likelihood as longtime Bond front runner Henry Cavill (seen in June)

Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy (pictured here in February) also features among the favourites

Even Zendaya has emerged as a shock contender after expressing her want to be a villain during an interview (Pictured May 2025)