The search for a new James Bond has finally kicked off.

Daniel Craig quit his role as the superspy following the release of 2021's No Time To Die, which showed 007's death and he was followed out of the door by longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, but the franchise is being brought back to the big screen by Amazon MGM with Dune's Denis Villeneuve directing and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the script. Recent rumours suggested the new film - Bond 26 - is about to go into production at Pinewood Studios in the UK but a new lead actor has yet to be announced.

Now studio bosses have confirmed auditions have started. Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement: "The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right."

Variety reports Amazon MGM bosses have brought in star casting agent Nina Gold- who has worked on the Star Wars franchise as well as Les Miserables and The Martian - to help find the next 007.

The news comes after the studio's head of film Courtenay Valenti gave fans an update revealing the new movie is "coming" but they're taking their time.

During an appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas last month, Courtenay said: "Now, I know you're all wondering when we're going to announce who's playing James Bond. Don't get too excited.

"Please know that we're taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it's a responsibility we don't take lightly."

The movie executive added: "What I can tell you is this: when you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class filmmaking team, including the brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, extraordinary producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe, and screenwriter Steven Knight, you're setting the stage for something that's truly worthy of the Bond legacy.

"That film is coming, and when the time is right, we'll have much more to share."

Speculation about who is going to be cast has as Bond has been running wild in recent months with stars including Damson Idris, Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner all rumoured to be in the running for the coveted role.

The new movie will mark a new era for the franchise after Amazon MGM took creative control from long-time producers Broccoli and Wilson last year but Villeneuve vowed to "honour the tradition" of the iconic spy when he was announced as the director of the latest movie.

The 58-year-old filmmaker said: "Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.

"To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come."