New Delhi, May 16 -- Auditions are now underway for the next actor to portray James Bond, marking the clearest sign yet that the long-running spy franchise is preparing for a new era following the departure of Daniel Craig.

According to multiple reports, acclaimed casting director Nina Gold has begun the process of meeting and testing actors for the role of 007, nearly five years after Craig's final appearance as Bond in No Time to Die.

The development represents a major step forward for the franchise, which has remained in transition since Craig concluded his tenure as the British intelligence agent.

Gold, known for her work on projects including Game of Thrones and The Crown, is reportedly overseeing early auditions and screen tests ...