The new James Bond must supposedly be under 40 years old and taller than 1.78 m.

This means that the current frontrunners will follow in Daniel Craig’s footsteps, as the spy will be too old and the others will be too small.

A source told the Daily Star on Monday (22 August) that Eon Productions wanted a “fresh-faced” star as Craig filmed his farewell film No Time to Die at the age of 51.

They added that hiring an actor in his “late 30s” would allow him to play the role for at least a decade, or possibly three films.

The source claims that filming on the next movie could begin in winter 2023, but Craig’s successor will not be revealed until next fall at the earliest.

Eon Productions’ under-40 casting rule means bookmaker and fan favorites like Idris Elba (49), Henry Cavill (39) and Tom Hardy (44) are excluded.

Currently in pole position are Regé-Jean Page, 34, Richard Madden, 36, and James Norton, 37.

The alleged height requirement of 5 feet 10 inches also excludes Taron Egerton, John Boyega and Kit Harington.

Regé-Jean Page is known for his roles in the recent action thriller “The Gray Man” and the Regency drama “Bridgerton”.

He told The Mirror about rumours that he was the next Bond: “Ah, the B-word. I think when you do something remarkable as a Brit that other people notice, then people start talking about it.”

“I feel flattered to be part of the group of Brits that people have noticed, and that’s quite normal.”

Another favorite, Richard Madden, is said to have previously auditioned for the Bond role.

According to the Daily Express, the 39-year-old took part in a trial for “Casino Royale”.