Next James Bond: Relatively unknown Scottish star becomes new favourite to replace Daniel Craig in shock development
Scottish actor Stuart Martin has emerged as a surprise frontrunner to become the next James Bond, following reports of “under the radar” talks with Eon Productions.
The 38-year-old star could become the first Scottish actor to take on the role since Sean Connery made his debut as 007 in Dr. No in 1962.
Sources close to the franchise have claimed that Martin is in “serious contention” for the coveted role, with insiders claiming the relatively unknown actor has impressed Bond bosses with his work over the past decade.
The news marks the latest development in the ongoing search for Daniel Craig’s replacement.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Martin has caught the attention of Bond producers following his recent high-profile roles.
His performances in Zack Snyder’s Army of Thieves and Rebel Moon have demonstrated his action credentials to franchise executives.
In Army of Thieves, Martin took on the role of tough guy Bradley Cage, undertaking high-octane stunts and shootouts.
The actor committed fully to the physical demands of the role, hitting the gym and completing intensive training in Prague.
“We got to do some really cool stuff with some of the heists,” Martin told Lewis magazine. “Our stunt director had us doing crazy stuff, jumping into the back of moving vans with the camera.”
“Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those in the know,” claimed an LA movie consultant who has worked with the Bond franchise to the Daily Mail.
“He is in serious contention. No-one will confirm this because Eon goes all out to deny and shy away from anything concerning casting, but it would be an amazing milestone to have a Scottish Bond again.”
The consultant added that there are still “hurdles to jump through” including multiple meetings with Eon to “get a feel for his personality.”
“Eon doesn’t give a damn whether the man who lands the job is famous or not. It is about getting the man they want and who they feel is best suited for this life changing experience.”
Hailing from Ayr in Scotland, Martin’s breakthrough came in Channel 4’s comedy-drama Babylon in 2014.
He went on to secure roles in historical dramas Medici: Masters of Florence and Jamestown.
His profile rose significantly with a leading role in Victorian crime series Miss Scarlet and The Duke, where he played police officer William Wellington for four seasons until 2024.
The actor, who studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, met his wife, actress Lisa McGrillis, at a Christmas party in the National Theatre bar.
For his role in Army of Thieves, Martin underwent intensive physical preparation. “Brad is a muscle head, so I was just smashing the gym and training in the months leading up to try and give him that look and feel,” he told Untitled magazine.
The casting news comes amid uncertainty over other potential Bond candidates.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who reportedly completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Barbara Broccoli in March 2022, has faced recent setbacks.
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Sources told the Daily Mail that Hollywood executives are questioning his credentials following the poor reception of Kraven the Hunter.
Other actors reportedly in consideration include Callum Turner, James Norton and Paul Mescal.
The future of the franchise has been complicated since Amazon’s $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM, though Eon Productions retains creative control.
The relationship between Eon and Amazon MGM hit such a snag recently that Broccoli reportedly called execs at the streamer “f***ing idiots”.