AceShowbiz - As the dust settles from 2021's "No Time to Die", the James Bond franchise finds itself at a crossroads. Daniel Craig's iconic portrayal of the suave secret agent ended with a dramatic finale, and both fans and insiders are eager to know what comes next for 007.

While official announcements remain scarce, several key figures from the series have recently shared insights and speculations that shed light on possible future directions.

Ben Whishaw, who brought MI6's tech genius Q to life in three films alongside Craig, does not expect to be part of the next Bond installment. Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Whishaw revealed, "I don't think I'm going to be in the next one. I think they're going to start all over again, and with a new cast, a completely new cast. I think that's my hunch, but I don't know. I have no idea."

Despite this uncertainty, Whishaw added that he would reprise his role if asked while acknowledging that a fresh start might benefit the franchise. "I think it might need a new lease of life and a whole new group of people," he said.

Another voice from the Bond universe, Naomie Harris, who portrayed Moneypenny from "Skyfall" to "No Time to Die", expressed similar sentiments. Harris told the audience on SiriusXM's "The Jess Cagle Show" that she has "absolutely no idea" about the future direction of the series.

While embracing the ambiguity, she shared her fondness for the role and the sense of continuity it brought to her career. "I will really miss it because as an actress, or an actor, and in this profession, you're just kind of like a gypsy going around on your own constantly," Harris reflected.

Meanwhile, speculation around who will don the iconic tuxedo next is in full swing, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson emerging as a favorite in the British tabloids. Taylor-Johnson, who starred in "The Greatest" alongside former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, received a recent endorsement from Brosnan himself.

In an interview on RTÉ Radio 1's "The Ray D'Arcy Show", Brosnan stated, "I read the news about his possibilities of being a Bond, so I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow." Brosnan's advice for the next 007? "Be bold. Go out there, have a great time. Just love it. Just go for it."

As uncertainties linger, one thing remains clear: the James Bond franchise is poised for a significant evolution. Whether it involves a complete reboot or introducing new faces into familiar roles, the future of 007 promises to be an exciting journey for fans and actors alike.