James Bond producer rules out three favourites for the 007 role

A James Bond producer has dropped a major 007 bombshell about who they're looking to play the MI6 secret agent next.

Ever since Daniel Craig handed over the keys to the Aston Martin with last year's No Time To Die, speculation over his replacement has been intense.

Bond boss Michael J Wilson's update has seemingly ruled out a few big names, which is bound to leave some fans disappointed.

Wilson, who runs Eon Productions with Barbara Broccoli, was speaking at an event at the British Film Institute.

He teased one major criteria for the next 007 which seemingly boots three favourites out of the running.

Universal

Speaking about the age of the actor who will play the next Bond, Wilson said they'd initially looked at younger actors but it 'doesn't work'.

He said (as reported by Deadline): "Remember, Bond's already a veteran, he's had some experience.

"He's a person who has been through the wars, so to speak.

"He's probably been in the SAS or something, he isn't some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off - that's why it works for a 30-something."

That means Tom Holland, who's previously been very open about his 007 ambitions, is unlikely to land the gig as he's too young at the age of 26.

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On the other hand, Tom Hardy, a fan favourite to star as the super spy, is too old at 45.

Idris Elba, 50, would also not be the right fit for the '30-something' actor the producers are looking for, despite being linked to the role on-and-off for years.

So who's left in the running? Well, Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page, who's often been the bookies favourite for the role, still makes the cut at 34.

Eternals' Richard Madden, 36, and Man of Steel's Henry Cavill, 39, also still fit the bill.

Cavill previously told GQ he would 'would absolutely jump at the opportunity' of playing Bond.

Page, meanwhile, was playing his cards closer to his chest, merely saying he was 'flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed'.

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We'll have to be patient before we see Bond sipping a shaken-but-not-stirred martini once again, however, as the next 007 film isn't coming anytime soon.

Barbara Broccoli, who is the co-director behind Eon Productions, revealed Bond 26 is still a 'couple' of years away at least.

Broccoli also told the Daily Mail that the actor they pick has to be the best fit for their plans for Bond in future films; meaning they have to want to be in the role for several years.