Bangladesh, Sept. 6 -- Six years of guessing may finally be over, as Amazon MGM's search for the next James Bond nears its final stages, the BBC reports.

Names linked to the role for months include Henry Cavill, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden, James Norton and Jack O'Connell. Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have also been mentioned.

More recently, stage actor Tom Francis and "Gladiator II" star Paul Mescal have entered the frame, according to reports cited by the BBC.

Amazon MGM Studios, which now controls the franchise, confirmed in May that casting was under way. Few details have been shared since.

Entertainment writer Daniel Richtman said that casting appeared to be down to a final round. Journalist Jeff Sneide...