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Credit: Inside the MagicThe James Bond franchise might be undergoing a resurgence, but the iconic spy has officially been replaced by a different character.
For more than six decades, the James Bond franchise has been defined by its central figure — the suave, unflappable agent known also as 007. Across 25 films, six official Bonds — from Sean Connery’s effortless charm to Daniel Craig’s emotional grit — have embodied the iconic British spy, each iteration shaping the cultural icon for a new generation.
But now, James Bond is stepping aside.
A New Era Beyond 007
The brand-new novel “Quantum of Menace” marks a bold shift in the official literary universe, with a different character — not everyone’s favorite international superspy — finally taking center stage.
Written by Vaseem Khan and published by Ian Fleming Publications, “Quantum of Menace” is the first in “The Q Mysteries”, a new series set within the Bond world but led by MI6’s resident inventor. The story follows Major Boothroyd (Q, the MI6 Quartermaster) as he returns to his hometown to investigate the suspicious death of an old scientist friend, uncovering a web of secrets and a surprising romance along the way.
The change in perspective is striking, especially in a franchise that has traditionally revolved around one man’s missions, martinis, and moral ambiguity. Though Bond remains a looming presence in the novel, Khan’s story explores what happens to the people who build the tools, fix the damage, and keep the spy machine running.
Related: Meet the New James Bond in the Upcoming ‘007’ Reboot
James Bond’s Expanding Universe
While this marks Q’s first turn as protagonist, it’s not the first time the literary side of the James Bond universe has ventured beyond its title character. “The Moneypenny Diaries” by Samantha Weinberg reimagines events from the loyal secretary’s perspective, while “The Felix Leiter” series by Raymond Benson offers a grittier look at Bond’s U.S. counterpart.
The next installment in Khan’s series, “The Man with the Golden Compass,” is slated for October 2026. There’s also the upcoming YA novel “James Bond and the Secret Agent Academy” from M. W. Craven due out next year.
The Future of James Bond
Coinciding with IO Interactive’s upcoming video game “007 First Light” (starring Patrick Gibson as a young Bond), which hits shelves in March 2026, and the still-untitled film reboot from director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) and writer Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), “Quantum of Menace” signals a wider reinvention for the 007 franchise.
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