Who Is the Next James Bond? 11 LGBTQ+ Actors We Want to See Play 007

So who's going to be the next James Bond?

Daniel Craig's time as the iconic MI6 super spy came to an end in 2021 with the release of Universal Pictures' No Time to Die, so it's time to start thinking about who could take on the iconic title of 007 next!

While casting for the beloved role hasn't been confirmed yet, it's never too earlier to throw some names out there. Considering that the character has been portrayed exclusively on-screen as a straight, white man throughout the media franchise's decades-long history, this would be a great opportunity to provide some great representation to folks who want to see themselves as heroes for once. Heck, even gay No Time to Die actor Ben Whishaw says it's time for a gay actor to fill in Bond's perfectly polished shoes. So we got to thinking: who are some LGBTQ+ actors who we could totally see take on an action-packed and adventurous role like thee James Bond?

Scroll through to see who'd we'd like to see take on -- and queer up-- the 007 mantle next.

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Luke Evans

If there was ever an heir apparent to play the next Bond following Daniel Craig, it would definitely be someone like out Nine Perfect Strangers and Beauty and the Beast star Luke Evans! The 42-year-old Brit is no stranger to action films (he notably played main villain Owen Shaw in Fast & Furious 6), and if you took just one glimpse of his impressive physique, you'd quickly realize the man is definitely super spy material! And No Time to Die's Ben Whishaw agrees!

He even opened up recently about the possibility of portraying a gay Bond, saying, "I don't know what the current temperature is with audiences, whether they care enough to worry about what James Bond does in the bedroom. I don't think it really matters at all to the character if I'm really honest."

Jonathan Bailey

Another one of Ben Whishaw's "ideal casting" picks, out British actor Jonathan Bailey, who stole the collective hearts of the world after starring in Netflix's super sexy period series Bridgerton, could definitely slay James Bond! Can you just imagine him in the classic 007 suit while swirling a martini cocktail in his hand?! Well apparently, so can many people, as the statistical odds of him playing the super spy increased recently on the online betting website BoyleSports.

Sam Smith

Though known mostly for their award-winning vocal and songwriting ability, we'd love to see nonbinary British pop sensation Sam Smith's take on the role of Bond! Smith even won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2016 for their track "Writing's on the Wall" from the 2015 Bond film Spectre, so casting them as 007 would also keep things in the Bond family!

Matt Bomer

He may not be British, but there's no denying out actor Matt Bomer is one super suave fellow, and we could totally see the White Collar, American Horror Story, and Doom Patrol alum saving the day as an international man of mystery.

Tessa Thompson

After playing bi heroine Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there's no question the Tessa Thompson, who came out as bisexual IRL back in 2018, would make a kick-ass MI6 agent!

Lee Pace

Another Marvel Cinematic Universe pick (Captain Marvel, Guardians of the Galaxy), out actor Lee Pace (who is currently starring in Apple TV+'s sci-fi series Foundation) exudes major quiet-but-strong, confident daddy vibes that are essential for a brooding, debonair character like James Bond!

Colman Domingo

The out, marriedEuphoria, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and Zola star would make a great pick for the next James Bond simply because he's one of this generation's more underrated actors (he has RANGE) and would bring a new freshness and perspective to an established character that is already nearly 70 years old.

Angelina Jolie

Do we really even need to explain this one? After starring in explosive titles Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Salt, Wanted, Those Who Wish Me Dead, and the upcoming Marvel flick The Eternals, bi icon Angelina Jolie has proven over and over again throughout her legendary career that she is THEE queer action star of all action stars, and casting her to lead a Bond film would be an absolute no-brainer!

Jeremy Pope

The out Pose and Hollywood star has been acting for years in theater, and getting to play Bond would be the perfect avenue for him to show off those talents and chops to the world!

Wentworth Miller

Most known for his roles in projects like Prison Break and The Flash, Wentworth Miller is no stranger to action and suspense, and would make for an edgier take on the classically prim and proper super spy.

Megan Fox

With the Meganaissance currently in full-swing, casting Megan Fox (one of our favorite bicons as of late) as Bond would be a great opportunity for her to continue the action-flick legacy she started in films like Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rogue, an upcoming Expendables sequel, and the upcoming Bonnie and Clyde retelling Johnny and Clyde.