London - It's probably the most iconic film character of all time, but the role of James Bond is still vacant! Daniel Craig (56) will not be returning as 007, that much has been clear for years. A successor seemed to have already been found. Now, however, the producer of the film series has once again raised eyebrows!

Between 2006 and 2021, Craig slipped into the role of the MI6 secret agent five times and was involved in two of the most legendary Bond flicks of all time with "Casino Royal" and "Skyfall". But even before his last 007 appearance in "No Time to Die", it was clear that he would not be getting into his famous Aston Martin again on behalf of Her Majesty.

Now producer Barbara Broccoli (64) has spoken out about Craig's successor. She and her brother and co-producer Michael G. Wilson (82) told the Associated Press that the next Bond actor would bring "something new and different" to the role.

However, the framework conditions seem to be clear: The new Bond reincarnation will also be a man and most likely in his mid-30s. The first female 007 or a baby-faced Bond are therefore off the table!

However, it is still possible that the agent will not be played by a white actor for the first time!

Broccoli's statements make us sit up and take notice, as the whole (film) world thought that the new Bond had long since been found.

There have been rumors for almost two years that "Kick-Ass" and "Bullet Train" actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson (34) would slip into the legendary role. In the spring of this year, it was even said that theBrit's contract was about to be signed!

Did it fall through at the last minute after all? Being James Bond is both a curse and a blessing. Broccoli explained that the new 007 would have to commit to the franchise for at least a decade.

Then there are the huge expectations and the strict judgment of the fans. The producer believes that every actor must first endure a lot of headwind, as was once the case with Craig.

"It's a big decision," said the 64-year-old. Co-producer Wilson added: "Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It's exciting to see a new Bond, to go in a new direction."

So is Taylor-Johnson out of the running? Broccoli and Wilson remain tight-lipped about other possible candidates. So 007 fans will probably have to wait a while longer ...