Credit: IO Interactive under license from Amazon MGM Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon ProductionsJames Bond has been a defining figure in cinema for over six decades, with 25 official films since Sean Connery’s debut in Dr. No (1962). Over the years, the franchise has evolved through multiple actors taking on the role: Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently Daniel Craig, whose tenure concluded with No Time to Die (2021).
What To Expect From Amazon’s Bond Reboot
Craig’s era brought a grittier, more grounded interpretation of the spy. The next reboot, dubbed Bond 26, marks the start of a new era under Amazon MGM Studios. Denis Villeneuve, who helmed Dune (2021) and its 2024 sequel, is attached to direct, while Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is writing the script. However, little is known about the project.
While no official casting announcements have been made, Callum Turner, known for his work in the Fantastic Beasts sequels, is a major contender to play Bond according to reports, but nothing has been confirmed by Amazon MGM or the film’s creative team.
Who Will Play the New James Bond?
Deadline reported last year that Villeneuve plans to wait until finishing promotion for Dune: Part Three before committing to the Bond project, meaning a casting decision may not come anytime soon. That same report also says that they’re on the lookout for a young British actor in their late 20s to early 30s, which pretty much rules out all well-known candidates.
Now, a new report suggests that casting will begin this summer, with production expected to start late 2026/early 2027. In other words, we might find out who the new Bond is soon.
We May Find Out Sooner Than We Think
Senior Deadline film reporter Justin Kroll has hinted that the announcement could be imminent. During an appearance on the My Mom’s Basement podcast (via Metro), Kroll shared his thoughts about when the next James Bond reboot might go into production.
“I am predicting summer, if I had to be a betting man,” he said. “Because I think production will likely start [at the] end of this year/top of next.”
He added: “Obviously, it could be a little sooner, but from everything people have said since I’ve been back, Bond is more likely middle of the year than first quarter.”
While nothing has been confirmed, Kroll’s comments are almost in line with what Deadline reported a few months ago; that the search for the next 007 won’t begin until Villeneuve completes Dune: Part Three later this year.
This means that the next James Bond’s identity could be declassified very soon.
Another New James Bond Has Been Cast
Meanwhile, Irish actor Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin) has been cast as Bond in “007 First Light”, which is a prequel set before he acquires his signature moniker.
The game also stars Priyanga Burford as M, Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny, Naomie Ackie as “Bond girl” Miss Roth, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, Lennie James as John Greenway, Gemma Chan as newcomer Selina Tan, and Lenny Kravitz as the new Bond villain Bawma.
“007 First Light” releases on May 27, 2026. There’s no release date for the new Bond film.
Who do you think should play the new James Bond? Share your thoughts in the comment section down below!