James Bond fans have reacted with scepticism to the news that Tom Holland is among the actors considered to be the new 007.
Last week (June 26), it was announced that Dune director Denis Villeneuve will be helming the next film in the Bond franchise, which will reboot the character after the departure of Daniel Craig in 2021’s No Time To Die.
Variety has reported that franchise owner Amazon’s wish list for the project will be an actor in their twenties, with the intent of focusing on a younger Bond in the new adventures. The list includes Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson, Australian Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, and Marvel actor Holland.
Despite being a household name thanks to playing Spider-man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Holland’s inclusion in the list has drawn criticism from X (formerly Twitter) users, who feel he isn’t the right fit for the role.
“I adore Tom Holland, and he has more than proved his ability to play action characters” one admitted. “But… He cannot play James Bond. He’s too adorable”.
I adore Tom Holland, and he has more than proved his ability to play action characters
But…
He cannot play James Bond.
He's too adorable.
Villains would look at him and be all pic.twitter.com/nXghEjqXlk
— Alicia Anne Creger, Writer and Editor (@alioop326) June 27, 2025
Another was franker, posting: “I’m sorry. Does even Tom Holland think he should be James Bond. is that really something he thinks he’d be good at?”
I'm sorry. does even tom holland think he should be james bond. is that really something he thinks he'd be good at https://t.co/AOKAUS8joF
— John DiLillo (@JohnDiLillo) June 27, 2025
“Tom Holland is a fine actor, but I’m convinced he’s going to look like a 16-year-old for the rest of his life” one user explained. “He’s about as far away from James Bond as you can get”.
Tom Holland is a fine actor, but I’m convinced he’s going to look like a 16-year-old for the rest of his life. He’s about as far away from James Bond as you can get. https://t.co/H7NPOzMITo
— Oliver Jia (オリバー・ジア) (@OliverJia1014) June 29, 2025
Many fans had their own favourites for the part, including rumoured front-runner Aaron Taylor-Johnson and perennial fan favourite Henry Cavill. “Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the best pick for playing James Bond! Not Tom Holland. He’s too short and skinny” wrote one, with another adding: “This better be the next Bond. Just please no Tom Holland” alongside a picture of Cavill.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the best pick for playing James Bond!
Not Tom Holland. He's too short and skinny.
Please listen to me!! pic.twitter.com/xzIiJgTnJY— lennonrules (@lennonrules) June 27, 2025
This better be the next Bond. Just please no Tom Holland. pic.twitter.com/DQUNIdSmmW
— brian harmon (@mshat18) June 28, 2025
A fan stated that casting the Uncharted star may ruin the series, saying: “If they cast Tom Holland as Bond I will consider the franchise to have concluded with Craig. It’s 007, not 004 and a quarter”.
If they cast Tom Holland as Bond I will consider the franchise to have concluded with Craig.
It's 007, not 004 and a quarter.
— Rock Me Amadeus Vult 🇪🇪 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 (@clifford_banes) June 27, 2025
Another preferred Dickinson of the three choices reported. “The fact that Tom Holland is listed here is amazing. Idk how they look at the guy and think ‘Yeah, that’s Bond’” they said. “Between the other two fine actors, Harris has impressed me the most and would make a lot of sense as a young Bond. He has the sex appeal too, clearly”.
The fact that Tom Holland is listed here is amazing. Idk how they look at the guy and think "Yeah, that's Bond" 😭.
Between the other two fine actors, Harris has impressed me the most and would make a lot of sense as a young Bond. He has the sex appeal too, clearly. https://t.co/HFNeMvuWcf pic.twitter.com/8EhxLpNdyy
— Duhlorean (@Duhlorean98) June 27, 2025
Currently there is no official release date, casting, or title for the next Bond movie, which would be the 26th in the franchise. Recently, Villeneuve revealed his favourite 007 movie, describing himself as “a major Bond fan”.