Next James Bond: Barbara Broccoli rules out fan favourites as new requirements for actors drawn up

A host of fan favourites could now be out of the running for the next James Bond after new requirements for actors was revealed.

Henry Cavill and Tom Hardy fans will be disappointed to hear that new guidance for the next Bond could rule them out.

Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G Wilson have teased plans for the next incarnation of the British spy.

Broccoli publicly announced that Bond would be a British, male actor.

It has also been reported that production company EON was only looking for male actors who were under 40 years of age and over 5'10 in height.

The new spy would also have to be suitable for a projected 10 years in the role.

Although The Witcher actor Henry Cavill is 6 feet tall, he is also about to turn 40 in May this year.

The production of the new Bond is very unlikely to begin before next year so it appears Cavill may be out of the race.

Another favourite, Tom Hardy will turn 46 in September while Idris Elba is already 50.

But other contenders including Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page who is 35 in April and James Norton, aged 38 in July, remain as favourites.

A series of reports and leaks before Christmas revealed that Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was previously never considered a contender, had undergone screen tests and meeting with Broccoli and Wilson.

One report claimed: "Aaron has impressed bosses so much that he has filmed one of the franchise's famous gun barrel teaser scenes, something all the actors do. That move takes him a step closer to signing a deal."

Coral's John Hill told Express Online: "Aaron Taylor-Johnson has leapfrogged ahead of the likes of Henry Cavill, Regé-Jane Page and Tom Hardy as the new favourite to become the next James Bond following strong support in our betting. It is the first time neither Cavill, Page or Hardy has been the favourite in our betting to replace Daniel Craig since early 2021."