Jacob Elordi is having a major career moment. The actor just received his first Academy Award nomination for his work in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. At the same time, major entertainment reports suggest he is a serious candidate to become the next James Bond, with meetings allegedly taking place with director Denis Villeneuve. This combination of high-profile recognition and blockbuster rumor has made Elordi one of the most talked-about actors in Hollywood.
Jacob Elordi’s Oscar Nomination for Frankenstein
Jacob Elordi has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the upcoming Academy Awards. The nomination is for his performance as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s gothic adaptation of Frankenstein. The film itself was a major awards contender, earning a total of nine Oscar nominations. These include Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay for del Toro, and several technical categories like Cinematography, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling.
Elordi shared that he was asleep when the nominations were announced early in the morning. His mother called him with the exciting news.
“I am beside myself,” Elordi told The Hollywood Reporter. “I am so excited, I mean, I’m 28 years old. It’s wind in the sails”.
The actor described the role as deeply personal, calling it “every bit of the dream that I’ve had since I was 12”. He is nominated alongside veteran actors including Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Stellan Skarsgård. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.
James Bond Rumors and Reported Meetings
Following his Oscar news, multiple reports have identified Elordi as a front-runner to play the next James Bond. According to entertainment outlet Showbiz411, the actor has already “had meetings with the producers and director Denis Villeneuve” about the iconic role. Another report from World of Reel cites a “well-placed source” who names Elordi as a top candidate, though no formal offer has been made.
The search for a new 007 has been ongoing since Daniel Craig concluded his run with No Time to Die. Elordi’s name has recently circulated alongside British actor Callum Turner (Fantastic Beasts), who is also considered a strong contender. A previous report from Deadline suggested that Amazon MGM, which now controls the Bond franchise, is looking for a “fresh face” and prefers a British actor for the part. While Elordi is Australian, this is not without precedent, as George Lazenby, also Australian, played Bond once before.
It is crucial to note that all reports emphasize these are rumors and unconfirmed talks. No official announcement or casting decision has been made by the studio or the production team.
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Denis Villeneuve’s Vision and Project Timeline
Director Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the next James Bond film, with a script by Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders. Insiders describe a vision for a grittier, more physically imposing Bond. One source indicated Villeneuve wants an actor who looks like “he could kill you with his bare hands in a trice,” suggesting a return to the more brutal characterization from Ian Fleming’s original novels.
The story may serve as an origin tale, potentially exploring Bond’s early career in the Royal Navy and his rise within MI6. This could mean the film is set in a period like the 1950s or 1960s.
A clearer timeline for the project has also emerged. According to industry reporter Justin Kroll of Deadline, casting for the new Bond is expected to take place around mid-2026. Following this, filming is scheduled to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. This schedule allows Villeneuve to complete the global promotional tour for his other major project, Dune Part Three, which is set for release in December 2026.
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