In 1953, Ian Fleming first introduced the world to James Bond — a handsome and charming spy, also known as ‘007’ — in the best-selling novel Casino Royale.
And less than 10 years later, in 1962, the beloved character was first brought to life on the silver screen in Dr. No.
Flashforward to today and we’ve been blessed with numerous film adaptations of Ian’s Bond books.
However, only six actors have been lucky enough to portray the man who enjoys his martini shaken, not stirred.
Furthermore, if you’d like to watch all the James Bond films, the entire collection is available to stream on Stan.
Of course, that number will likely go up to seven soon. The Sun reported in March 2024 that Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been formally offered the titular role in a new James Bond film. Former Bond star from 1995 to 2002, Pierce Brosnan, has endorsed Aaron taking on the iconic role.
Furthermore, in February 2025, several outlets reported that Stuart Martin was in “serious contention” to become the next 007.
Most recently, at the 2025 Academy Awards, The Brutalist actor, Joe Alwyn, responded to reporters on the red carpet that he might be keen on the role — saying to Variety, “Oh, wow. Who wouldn’t throw their hat in the ring? You know?’ He went on to say that he likes martinis both shaken and stirred, so who knows, he could have what it takes to be the next blond Bond!
But before it’s officially confirmed whether Aaron, Stuart, or Joe (or another actor) takes on the role, let’s take a trip down memory lane…
These are the actors who have played James Bond over the years:
Sean Connery
The first actor to ever portray James Bond was Sean Connery. Altogether, he starred in five Bond films (Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball and You Only Live Twice) between 1962 and 1967 before taking a break.
Sean then returned to the Bond franchise in 1971 in the film Diamonds Are Forever. Then, over a decade later, the Scottish-born actor played 007 for the last time — in the 1983 film Never Say Never Again.
You can stream Sean Connery’s James Bond films on Stan.
George Lazenby
While Sean was on his break, Australian actor George Lazenby stepped in to play James Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This film marked the only time George ever played the iconic spy. Furthermore, while he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance, he is generally regarded as the worst Bond.
George went on to make a film about his experience as the iconic spy called Becoming Bond. Although he loved being Bond, there was a lot of pressure attached to the role. Therefore, he reportedly walked away from an offer to make six more movies in the 007 franchise.
In July 2025, his ex-wife, tennis legend Pam Shriver, shared that George Lazenby had been diagnosed with early dementia. Pam is now his carer. The couple met at Wimbledon in 2000 and would go on to have three children during their “turbulent” marriage. She spoke with The Telegraph, commenting that now that George is dealing with dementia, the two have reconciled.
You can stream On Her Majesty’s Secret Service on Stan.
Roger Moore
Two years after Sean’s sixth Bond film, Roger Moore stepped into the role for the 1973 film Live and Let Die. The English actor went on to star in five more Bond films (The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy) before Sean returned for his seventh turn as the 007 spy.
Despite believing that was his last go around as the British spy, two years later, in 1985, Roger returned to play James Bond in A View To Kill. This marked the last time he took on the role.
You can stream Roger Moore’s James Bond films on Stan.
Timothy Dalton
In the late 80s, British actor Timothy Dalton became the fourth actor to play James Bond. Timothy starred in two films — The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill — before retiring from the franchise.
You can stream Timothy Dalton’s James Bond films on Stan.
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan starred in a handful of Bond films in the 90s and early 00s. In 1995, the Irish actor made his debut as 007 in GoldenEye. He then reprised the role in three subsequent films: Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Die.
You can stream Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond films on Stan.
Daniel Craig
In 2006, the entire Bond franchise was rebooted with Daniel Craig at the helm. However, before Daniel’s first Bond film, Casino Royale, was released, his casting caused major controversy. The media dubbed him ‘Blond Bond’ and claimed he wasn’t right for the part.
Of course, once Casino Royale was released, Daniel was universally praised for his portrayal of James Bond and he went on to play the character four more times in the films Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die. Today, Daniel is generally regarded as one of, if not, the best Bond.
You can stream Daniel Craig’s James Bond films on Stan.
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