ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleIan YoungsCulture reporterGetty ImagesDaniel Craig served as James Bond across 15 years and five filmsThe casting process for the new James Bond has officially begun, after years of anticipation and speculation about who will take over from Daniel Craig as 007.
"The search for the next James Bond is under way," Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement.
Auditions have been taking place in recent weeks, according to Hollywood outlet Variety, and the statement signals the beginning of the end of the long wait for a new James Bond.
"While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right," Amazon added.
There have been five years since the release of No Time To Die, Craig's final film as the famous spy.
And there have been 15 months since Amazon MGM Studios took control of the Bond franchise.
The studio has already announced that the next movie will be directed by Dune's Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
Variety reported that Nina Gold, one of Hollywood's leading casting directors, who has worked on the Paddington, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Mamma Mia! franchises, is conducting the search for a new lead actor.
...Or producers could well go for one of the many other names who have been touted for the role, or an unexpected choice.
