Credit: Inside the MagicEver since Daniel Craig’s explosive exit in No Time to Die (2021), the fifth and final film in his James Bond series, we’ve all been waiting impatiently to find out who the next actor to don the iconic tux and pick up the Walther PPK will be.
Several big names have been thrown around online over the years, but none more so than since Amazon MGM Studios announced that a new film was in the works with Dune director Denis Villeneuve and Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight attached.
The Search for the Next James Bond
From Tom Holland (the MCU’s Spider-Man saga) to Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) and Idris Elba (Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw) to Jacob Elordi (Wuthering Heights), almost every current male actor you can think of has had their name thrown in the ring by fans and media outlets.
Earlier this month, Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that the hunt for the next 007 to lead the new film reboot had begun, with casting director Nina Gold reportedly leading the search.
Related: ‘James Bond’ Reboot Has Already Cast Its Lead, Actor Expected To Appear in Three Installments
A New 007 Has Already Arrived
However, only those paying close attention will know that the next actor to play the iconic MI6 secret agent has already been chosen, in IO Interactive’s 007 First Light.
Of course, 007 First Light is a video game, but from development through release, it’s been given the same care and attention as a Bond movie. For instance, recently, Lana Del Rey’s official song for the game (it shares the same name) was released alongside the game’s very own Bond title sequence. It was also given its own red-carpet event in London ahead of release, with the creative crew and ensemble cast present.
Dexter: Original Sin (2024) actor Patrick Gibson takes up the mantle as a 26-year-old Bond who has yet to “earn the number.” He stars alongside Priyanga Burford (M), Kiera Lester (Miss Moneypenny), Naomie Ackie (Miss Roth), Alastair Mackenzie (Q), Lennie James (John Greenway), Gemma Chan (Selina Tan), and Lenny Kravitz (Bawma).
“Follow James Bond as a young, resourceful, and sometimes reckless recruit in MI6’s training program, and discover an origin story of the world’s most famous spy,” the official synopsis for the game reads.
Could Patrick Gibson Become Bond on the Big Screen?
007 First Light actor Lennie James (The Walking Dead) recently said that the filmmakers behind the cinematic reboot would be “mad” not to consider Gibson to play the role on the big screen, whom he describes as being “fantastic.”
Speaking to Radio Times Gaming at the BAFTA Games Awards (via GamesRadar), James said: “He’s fantastic in our version of Bond, and I genuinely think he should be a candidate for the main role that they’re trying to find someone for.” He added, “I’m sure he’s under consideration. The people in control would be mad not to consider him.”
However, as yet, the Irish actor’s name has not been mentioned in any official capacity with regards to translating his role from game to film.
007 First Light was released on May 29 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows to wide critical praise. According to developer and publisher IO Interactive (via Forbes), the game sold 1.5 million copies in its first 24 hours.
Will you be playing 007 First Light? Do you think Patrick Gibson should play Bond in the next film? Let us know in the comments below!
