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The most coveted gig in music is up for grabs again as Amazon MGM officially ramps up development of a new James Bond film, promising a "fresh and exotic" direction for the iconic spy franchise.
With producers Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and David Heyman (Barbie, Harry Potter) now working on the project in London following their announcement at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, attention has turned to who will land the next 007 theme song.
Talk of Adele potentially returning to the franchise twelve years after her Oscar-winning Skyfall, while BRITs sensation Raye and Geordie rocker Sam Fender lead the bookmakers' lists is upping the stakes.
According to the latest odds from Betfred, Raye currently leads the pack at 8/11 following her historic six-award sweep at this year's BRITs.
Hot on her heels is Sam Fender at 9/4, whose cinematic rock sound and third consecutive number one album People Watching have made him a fan favorite.
But industry insiders suggest Adele – whose 2012 Bond theme remains the highest-grossing in franchise history – may be considering a comeback as producers seek to make a statement with Amazon's first Bond outing.
A New Era for 007
The confirmation of Pascal and Heyman's involvement marks a significant transition for the franchise, following longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson's decision to step back from day-to-day involvement.
The pair remain co-owners of the franchise through a joint venture with Amazon MGM, which gained control of Bond rights through its $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2021.
"We're committed to honoring Bond's legacy while bringing audiences something new and exciting," said Amazon MGM's Courtenay Valenti during the CinemaCon presentation.
With production now underway in London, the studio is reportedly planning a more expansive approach to the franchise, potentially including spin-offs alongside the main film series.
The Frontrunners
Against this backdrop of change, the competition for the theme song has never been more intense. Raye's meteoric rise from industry outsider to BRITs record-breaker makes her the bookies' choice.
Her emotionally raw vocals on tracks like Escapism and Worth It demonstrate the dramatic range needed for Bond, while her recent collaborations with Hans Zimmer showcase her ability to work with cinematic scores.
Meanwhile, Sam Fender's heartland rock anthems like Seventeen Going Under and The Borders already possess the widescreen melancholy that defines the best Bond themes.
His stadium-filling voice and politically charged lyrics could bring a working-class edge to 007's world of martinis and megalomaniacs.
Then there's Adele. Though she hasn't released new music since 2021's 30, her Skyfall remains the gold standard – becoming the first Bond theme to top the UK charts since Duran Duran's A View to a Kill in 1985.
An industry source told Standard: "She's on a break, but Bond producers are reaching out as they know her power and know that she’s the modern day queen of the Bond themes.
“They would love her return despite their new direction. If the timing aligns for Adele she will consider, but they are not ruling the others out should it not work out."
The Decision Ahead
Producers face a clear choice between three distinct musical directions: Adele's proven formula of soaring ballads, Raye's contemporary pop sensibility, or Fender's gritty rock authenticity.
Industry sources suggest the selection will signal the creative direction of Amazon's entire Bond reboot.
With principal photography expected to begin in 2026 for a planned 2027 release, an announcement on the theme artist is anticipated within the next 12 months.
The decision will follow the crucial casting of the new Bond, with both choices representing Amazon's first major creative statements since acquiring the franchise.
As veteran Bond composer David Arnold notes: "The theme song sets the tone for the entire film. In this new era, that choice carries more weight than ever."
Current Betting Odds (Betfred):
- Raye – 8/11
- Sam Fender – 9/4
- Chappell Roan – 11/4
- Lana Del Rey – 3/1
- Dua Lipa – 4/1
- Lady Gaga – 4/1
- Adele – 5/1
