The James Bond rumor mill is churning after Amazon's acquisition of the franchise's creative control, leaving the question of the next 007 unanswered. However, a new report clarifies that James Bond will remain a British or Commonwealth male, eliminating actors like Ryan Gosling from contention.

The Mail on Sunday cited an internal Amazon memo confirming the character's gender and nationality would not change. This news pleases actors like Pierce Brosnan, who famously portrayed Bond, stating to The Telegraph that a British Bond is a given.

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The Commonwealth clause opens the door for actors like Chris Hemsworth, who previously expressed interest. In 2019, he told Balance magazine that while he'd love the role, the decision rests with the Bond community, Barbara Broccoli, and the production team. His past comments have resurfaced following the Mail on Sunday's report, with Today Show Australia even declaring Hemsworth's casting a "sure thing."

Uncertainty surrounds the future of James Bond following Amazon's acquisition and the reduced involvement of long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. While a Bond TV series is speculated, Variety reports that a new film remains the top priority. Amazon's next step reportedly involves finding a new producer, with David Heyman (known for his work on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises) as a potential candidate.

Christopher Nolan's reported interest in directing a Bond film after Tenet was reportedly rejected by Broccoli, who wouldn't relinquish "final cut." Nolan subsequently directed the highly successful Oppenheimer.

Amazon's takeover hasn't been universally welcomed. One director, during a Reddit AMA, bluntly stated their refusal to direct a Bond film due to their opposition to Jeff Bezos.

Fan speculation remains rampant, with names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and the fan-favorite Henry Cavill frequently mentioned.

According to Variety, Amazon is unable to make any casting decisions until the conclusion of its deal with Broccoli and Wilson, expected later this year. This follows reports of a tense standoff between the Broccoli family and Amazon, leaving the future of the franchise temporarily uncertain. Amazon and Eon Productions have yet to comment.