7 Queer Actors Who Should Be the Next James Bond

Lead photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.

I’d cast Jonathan Bailey as the next James Bond. There. My contribution to a casting debate that has lasted longer than some television shows.

The actual decision belongs to Amazon MGM. On Oct. 22, Deadline reported that four actors were expected to screen-test. It named Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor. This is my own wish list, with seven openly LGBTQ+ actors I’d consider for 007.

Ben Whishaw wanted to see an out gay actor play Bond back in 2021. “God, can you imagine?” he told Attitude. “Of course I would like to see that.” Whishaw, who played Q, suggested Bailey and Luke Evans. I agree with him on both. 1. Jonathan Bailey Jonathan Bailey at the London premiere of “Wicked” on Nov. 18, 2024. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.

Gayety was making the Bailey case in 2022. Since then, he’s starred in Fellow Travelers, Wicked and Jurassic World Rebirth. He’s also done a Martini campaign. At this point, the drink order is practically sorted.

I’d want some of Anthony Bridgerton’s impatience in his Bond. Bailey makes annoyance attractive, which would help with all those scenes where M tells 007 to behave. 2. Ncuti Gatwa Ncuti Gatwa at the “Frank and Percy” screening in London on Oct. 13, 2026. Photo: Lia Toby/Getty Images for BFI.

Gatwa has already taken over a British institution. He played the Fifteenth Doctor for two seasons of Doctor Who, following his breakout as Eric in Sex Education.

I’d like his Bond to be sociable. Let him actually enjoy the casino, remember the bartender’s name, and make a connection before betraying someone. Gatwa’s warmth would make that betrayal hurt. There’s a film I’d watch. 3. Andrew Scott Andrew Scott at the NewFest premiere of “Elsinore” in New York on Oct. 19, 2026. Photo: Joy Malone/Getty Images.

Scott played C, the intelligence chief Max Denbigh, in Spectre. That makes him an awkward choice for anyone worried about continuity. I am willing to get over it.

He can make a smile seem like a threat. Ripley is the obvious evidence, although his Fleabag performance supplies the charm I’d want, too. His role in Elsinore gives us another reason to keep talking about him. I’d happily trade a chase sequence for five more minutes of Scott questioning a suspect. 4. Richard Armitage Richard Armitage at the Pride of Britain Awards in London on Oct. 19, 2026. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.

Armitage has already worked in fictional British intelligence, in Spooks. He’d be my pick for a Bond who looks exhausted by the job. Someone who knows exactly what the mission will cost and goes anyway.

His own assessment is less optimistic. On The One Show in 2023, he said he was more likely to play a Bond villain at that stage of his life. Fair enough. I’d put him on that list as well. 5. Colman Domingo Colman Domingo at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 2026. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Yes, Domingo is American. I’m stretching the usual casting expectations here, and I know it. But picture him sitting opposite M, listening to instructions with that wonderfully skeptical expression.

His Oscar nominations for Rustin and Sing Sing speak to the acting. His red carpet appearances take care of the dinner jacket question. I’d cast him in an older Bond story. He wouldn’t have to spend the first hour proving he belongs. 6. Matt Bomer Matt Bomer at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London on Oct. 12, 2026. Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.

Bomer spent six seasons playing Neal Caffrey in White Collar. A charming con artist who notices everything and lies beautifully? I don’t need much help making the leap to Bond.

He’s American, too. That complicates the pitch, but this is a wish list. Fellow Travelers gave him a much harsher character to play beneath the good manners. I’d want that edge. His Outcome interview with Gayety is worth reading for more on his approach to performing. 7. Luke Evans Luke Evans at the ITV photocall during MIPCOM in Cannes on Oct. 12, 2026. Photo: Yaro Roland/Getty Images.

Evans has the action credits, including Fast & Furious 6. He also has a fairly persuasive answer to anyone wondering whether an out gay man could get considered.

He was “on the list for Bond for a good decade,” he told The Telegraph in October 2026. The Irish Examiner reported his comments. Evans now thinks he’s “too old” for the role at 47. I respect the man’s assessment of his own career. I also reserve the right to want the movie. Who Gets the Tux?

Bailey is still my first choice, with Scott close behind. An actor’s sexuality doesn’t have to become a plot point. I’d just like an openly queer actor to get the same shot at this part as anyone else. Whishaw said it five years ago. We’re still having the conversation.

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