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Credit: IO Interactive under license from Amazon MGM Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon ProductionsThe James Bond franchise has always relied on a familiar character framework. At the center is the “Man with the Golden Gun” himself, who’s supported by the other key figures at MI6, such as M, Q, and Moneypenny, as well as a formidable enemy and the signature “Bond girl”.
Whether on film or in other media, this structure has remained intact, helping each new interpretation feel recognizable even as the tone, setting, and 007 himself change.
Naturally, that familiar setup has also been applied to “007 First Light”, the upcoming third-person action-adventure video game from IO Interactive.
The studio, best known for the Hitman series, has developed a brand-new Bond story that follows the character as he works to acquire his iconic Double-O status. But just because it’s an origin story, it doesn’t mean those other iconic characters won’t appear in the new game.
From MI6 officials to enigmatic figures, here’s every confirmed character in “007 First Light”.
James Bond – Patrick Gibson
Patrick Gibson, best known for the TV series Dexter: Original Sin, takes on the role of James Bond, marking a new incarnation of the character for the franchise. This version is billed as a younger operative, allowing the game to explore his early career while still adhering to the classic traits associated with 007, like fast cars and vodka martinis — shaken, not stirred.
M – Priyanga Burford
Priyanga Burford plays M, the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. As Bond’s superior, M, who was played most recently by Dame Judi Dench in the Daniel Craig films, will continue the long tradition of the character as both authority figure and occasional adversary to Bond’s instincts. Interestingly, Burford played a scientist in No Time to Die (2021).
Moneypenny – Kiera Lester
Kiera Lester plays Miss Moneypenny, M’s trusted secretary and Bond’s longtime confidant. The character often balances professionalism with wit, and her inclusion signals a familiar dynamic within the intelligence service. She was played by Naomie Harris in the Craig films.
Miss Roth – Naomie Ackie
Naomie Ackie appears as the “enigmatic” Bond girl Miss Roth, a character whose role has not been fully revealed. Friend or foe? Only time will tell.
Related: James Bond’s “License To Kill” Removed for Family-Friendly Reboot
Q – Alastair Mackenzie
Alastair Mackenzie steps into the role of Q, the head of MI6’s technical division. As ever, Q is expected to outfit Bond with cool gadgets and tech essential to his globe-trotting missions. Q was most recently portrayed by Ben Whishaw, in Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die.
John Greenway – Lennie James
In the game, actor Lennie James (The Walking Dead) plays John Greenway, Bond’s mentor. He’s an original character who, according to the trailers, isn’t operating from behind a desk like all the other MI6 officials.
Selina Tan – Gemma Chan
Another new character is Selina Tan, MI6’s Head of Tactical Simulation, played by Gemma Chan (Marvel’s Eternals).
Bawma – Lenny Kravitz
Recently, it was revealed that American singer and actor Lenny Kravitz has also joined the cast as the new Bond villain Bawma, the formidable leader of a powerful black-market arms network in the region of Aleph.
When Is “007 First Light” Out?
“007 First Light” is a third-person, story-driven action-adventure in which players follow Bond through his earliest missions and key moments that define his path into 00 status.
The game has now been delayed from its initial March 27, 2026 launch to May 27, 2026.
Are you excited about playing “007 First Light”? Let us know in the comments down below!