Netflix fans hail British rising star as ‘next James Bond’

'He's 100 per cent my pick to be the next James Bond now'

The question of who will be the next James Bond has swirled around the world of film ever since Daniel Craig fell on his sword in No Time To Die.

The likes of Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Regé-Jean Page, Tom Holland, Cillian Murphy and most recently Aaron Taylor-Johnson have all been linked with the role, but we’re still none the wiser as to who the next person to be given a license to kill will be.

Now, fans are calling for a lesser known name to be given one of the biggest roles in cinema.

British actor Aaron Pierre has burst onto the scene after starring in new Netflix action thriller Rebel Ridge, which landed on the streaming platform last week to critical acclaim,

Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier (Blue Ruin and Green Room), the film sees Pierre star as Terry Richmond, who enters the the small Louisiana town of Shelby Springs on a simple but urgent mission: to post bail for his cousin and save him from imminent danger.

“But when Terry’s life’s savings is unjustly seized by law-enforcement, he’s forced to go head to head with local police chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson, Miami Vice) and his combat-ready officers,” the plot synopsis reads.

“Terry finds an unlikely ally in court clerk Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and the two become ensnared in a deep-rooted conspiracy within the remote township.

“As the stakes turn deadly, Terry must call upon his mysterious background to break the department’s hold on the community, bring justice to his own family– and protect Summer in the process.”

Co-starring David Denman (The US Office), Emory Cohen (Brooklyn) and James Cromwell (Succession), Rebel Ridge was included on our list of 24 most anticipated movies of 2024.

Much of positive reaction to the film, from both critics and audiences, has revolved around Pierre's performance in the lead role.

And some fans reckon there's an obvious next career move for the British star - to take on the role of maybe the most famous action character in all of cinema.

In a post on X, one person wrote: "Just finished watching Rebel Ridge, and I must say Aaron Pierre was phenomenal in his role. I’ve got multiple goosebumps and already solidified him as who I would want to be the next James Bond. It’s a must watch."

Another said: "The internet has a lot of stupid ideas but Aaron Pierre as James Bond is a real thing that should really happen."

A third commented: "45 minutes into REBEL RIDGE I googled if Aaron Pierre was British and yes he is going to be the next James Bond."

Someone else said: "Aaron Pierre is 100 per cent my pick for the next Bond now."

It seems unlikely that we'll be getting an answer to the 'next Bond' question anytime soon though.

Whilst there were strong reports earlier this year linking Taylor-Johnson to the role, industry experts reckon it won't be until the end of 2026 "at the earliest" before we get another Bond film.

Sources told the Telegraph that the next installment in the 007 franchise could even arrive as late as 2028.

And Bond producers and bosses have made it very clear they'll be taking their time over deciding who the next actor to take on the role should be.