James Bond twist: why Tom Holland just lost his shot at being the next 007

Tom Holland loses his chance to play James Bond as Marvel contract blocks him from stepping into the 007 role

Tom Holland is officially out of the race to become the next James Bond. The 29-year-old Spider-Man actor, once considered a promising contender with 12/1 odds according to Ladbrokes, will not take over the iconic 007 role following Daniel Craig’s departure. Sources claim that Holland’s Marvel contract prevents him from taking on any other franchise role that could overshadow his Spider-Man commitments.

A source told The Sun that “Tom can’t play two superheroes, it just won’t happen,” confirming the clause that rules out any future spy adventures for the actor. The news disappointed some fans who hoped to see Holland transform from web-slinger to secret agent, but others argued that his youthful image and Marvel fame made him an unlikely fit for Bond’s suave persona.

The upcoming James Bond 26 film is being written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. Production is reportedly set to begin next April at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, with insiders hinting that the plot will explore the risks of artificial intelligence in espionage.

With Holland out of the running, speculation about who will inherit Bond’s tuxedo has intensified. Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains the frontrunner, currently sitting at 1/1 odds, with Masters of the Air star Callum Turner and Superman actor Henry Cavill close behind. Taylor-Johnson’s recent appointment as a global ambassador for Omega, the luxury watch brand closely tied to Bond for three decades, has only fuelled rumours.

Meanwhile, Holland continues work on his fourth Spider-Man film after recovering from a mild concussion sustained during a stunt. The actor is expected to return to set soon, and the film remains on track for its 2026 release.

The race for Bond continues, but one thing is certain: Tom Holland will not be suiting up as 007. His exit narrows the field and raises the question of whether the next Bond will finally bring something entirely new to the franchise.