The 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.

The current bookmakers' favourites include:

...Or producers could well go for one of the many other names who have been touted for the role, or an unexpected choice.

The successful actor will be the seventh official person to play James Bond over the film franchise's 64-year history.

Speaking at CinemaCon last month, Amazon MGM Studios' head of film Courtenay Valenti said: "I know you're all wondering when we're going to announce who's playing James Bond.

"Please know that we're taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it's a responsibility we don't take lightly.

"What I can tell you is this: When you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class film-making team... you're setting the stage for something that's truly worthy of the Bond legacy.

"That film is coming, and when the time is right, we'll have much more to share."

No details of the rest of the cast, plot or release date for the next film - which will be the 26th official Bond movie - have yet been revealed.

Knight told BBC News at the Bafta TV Awards last weekend that his work on the script was "going fantastically", adding: "I am 1,000% confident that when this gets out there people are going to really love it."

The new film will be co-produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman.

Pascal is best known for the three latest Spider-Man titles starring Tom Holland, while Heyman was behind all eight Harry Potter movies.

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