The race to replace Daniel Craig as the world's most famous spy has taken a sudden and controversial turn. As of late January 2026, reports have surfaced claiming that Australian heartthrob Jacob Elordi is not just in the running but is a top contender to become the next James Bond. Following his fresh Oscar nomination for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, the Euphoria star has reportedly met with franchise producers and director Denis Villeneuve. However, the internet isn't exactly shaking (or stirring) with excitement. Social media has erupted with backlash, with many fans labeling the 6-foot-5 actor a "strange choice" for the role of the stealthy British agent.

The Rumor Mill: Elordi Meets 007 Producers

Speculation about the next James Bond 2026 reached a fever pitch this week after insiders revealed that Elordi had formal sit-downs with Amazon MGM Studios executives. According to reports from Showbiz411 and other industry outlets, the 28-year-old actor's stock has risen dramatically following his critically acclaimed performance as the Creature in Frankenstein. This accolade seems to have propelled him to the top of the shortlist, overtaking previous favorites in the eyes of some studio heads who are eager to reboot the franchise with a younger, Gen Z-friendly face.

The meetings reportedly included discussions with Denis Villeneuve, the visionary director tasked with helming the next installment. Villeneuve, known for his work on Dune and Blade Runner 2049, is looking for a "fresh face" to carry the mantle for the next decade. While Elordi certainly fits the description of a rising star, his casting would mark a significant departure from the traditional Bond archetype, a shift that has purists wringing their hands.

"Too Tall to Spy": Inside the Jacob Elordi Bond Backlash

While industry insiders might be charmed, the court of public opinion is currently in recess. As 007 casting rumors spread across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, a wave of skepticism followed. The primary point of contention? Elordi’s towering height. Standing at a staggering 6'5", critics argue he lacks the ability to blend into a crowd—a prerequisite for any successful secret agent.

"A 7-foot James Bond trying to go undercover? Good luck with that," one viral post mocked, highlighting the absurdity of a giant spy attempting to disappear in a room. Others have pointed out that his distinctively youthful energy, honed in teen dramas like The Kissing Booth and Euphoria, clashes with the gritty, seasoned veteran vibe established by Daniel Craig. The phrase "strange choice" has trended alongside his name, with fans questioning if Amazon MGM is prioritizing TikTok appeal over the character's literary roots.

The Age Factor

Beyond his physical stature, Elordi's age is another flashpoint. At 28, he would be the youngest actor to don the tuxedo since George Lazenby in 1969. Traditionalists argue that Bond requires a certain level of world-weariness that a twenty-something actor—regardless of talent—simply hasn't earned yet. However, supporters point to his brooding turn as Elvis in Priscilla and his aristocrat in Saltburn as proof that he possesses the necessary charisma and darkness.

The Competition: Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner

Elordi is far from the only name in the dossier. For months, British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been the betting favorite to take over the role. Reports from late 2025 suggested he had already filmed a secret screen test that impressed producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Taylor-Johnson fits the more traditional mold: British, mid-30s, and action-proven from films like Bullet Train and Kraven the Hunter.

Another strong contender is Callum Turner, whose recent work in Masters of the Air has garnered him significant attention. Unlike the Jacob Elordi Bond backlash, Turner's potential casting has been met with a warmer, albeit quieter, reception. As casting decisions reportedly loom for mid-2026, the battle seems to be narrowing down to a choice between tradition (Taylor-Johnson/Turner) and a radical reinvention (Elordi).

What's Next for the Franchise?

The next chapter of the Bond saga is currently being penned by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, promising a gritty and perhaps more cerebral take on the character. With Amazon MGM now pulling the strings, the pressure is on to deliver a blockbuster that appeals to modern audiences without alienating the core fanbase. The studio is expected to make an official announcement regarding the celebrity gossip 2026 topic of the year by the summer.

Whether Elordi secures the license to kill or remains just a "strange choice" in the history of casting rumors remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the world is watching, and the debate over who will order the next martini is louder than ever.