Ever since Daniel Craig parked his Aston Martin, finished his martini (shaken, not stirred) and holstered his weapon and license to kill, there’s been much speculation about what the next iteration of James Bond might look like, and when the film will be released.
Will we have another Blonde Bond? A redheaded Bond? Will we get our first American 007? Will it be a gender swap? A prequel?
Speculation has been rampant. But we’ve dug up the facts for fans of 007.
Here’s everything you need to know about the next James Bond film.
Who is playing James Bond in the next film?
Ah, we don’t know. The next actor to embody this iconic role has been the subject of many online forums and local RSLs, with names like Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Joe Alywyn put forward.
One person put forward that sent the internet into a frenzy was Idris Elba. For years, fans argued over his suitably for the role. But, as it turns out, he was never actually in the running, nor did he ever want to be.
“I’m honestly not in the race ever. I wasn’t in the race in the first place,” he told People. “They’re going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can’t wait — it’s going to be amazing.”
Later, he told British GQ that his candidacy was never “realistic.”
“James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it,” he shared. “And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that. Bond is big all over the world. And [audiences] won’t [all] go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture.”
“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke. I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don’t try and answer the world’s taste.”
Longtime producer of the franchise, Barbara Broccoli, said to Associated Press that the next James Bond would be a man, in his 30s, and “whiteness is not a given.” Also, she said that they would be contracted for “at least a decade’s worth of films.”
Aaron seemingly took himself out of the running when he said to GQ, “I don’t feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me. I feel like, whatever’s drawn out for me, I can fucking do better.” Plus, he is now headlining the new zombie trilogy, 28 Years Later, alongside Ralph Fiennes and Cillian Murphy.
In August 2025, rumours swirled that 37-year-old British actor Scott Rose-March had tested for the role. If true and he’s successful, he would be the first redhead with a license to kill.
Then, in September 2025, Irish actor Patrick Gibson was cast in the latest video game of the franchise, dubbed 007 First Light. The game is an origin story of 007. Interestingly, as a man in his 30s, he also fits the casting brief for the new film. Furthermore, Daniel Craig lent both his voice and likeness to a few Bond games… time will tell if Patrick could be the next film version of James Bond.
In January 2026, Callum Turner was put forward as a potential Bond. Later, Australia’s own Jacob Elordi was put forth after reportedly meeting with director Denis Villeneuve and the Amazon executives in February.
Who is Callum Turner?
Swoon-worthy British actor, Callum Turner has starred in Fanastic Beast and Where to Find Them, Masters of the Air and Eternity. Away from the screen, the 36-year-old also exchanged vows in a beautiful Sicilian wedding to pop star, Dua Lipa, who is also rumoured to do the theme song for the next Bond film.
He’s over 6 feet tall, is in his mid-thirties, and knows how to wear a suit. In fact, he was a model for Burberry early in his career. So, the BAFTA-nominated actor certainly fits the bill – even George Clooney backs him after working alongside Callum in The Boys In The Boat.
“I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond,” the Oscar-winning actor told The Hollywood Reporter. “He’s tall and handsome and charming and British, so he’s the perfect guy to do it.”
“He hasn’t just gone for the easy paychecks – he’s done really interesting work. “Somehow Callum has weaved his way through all of the noise and found a place where people look at him and go, ‘There’s something with this young man.’ It’s exciting to watch people saying, ‘That guy – that’s a guy I want to follow and pay attention to’.”
In his upcoming Apple TV+ series, Neuromancer, he dives into the world of digital espionage and organised crime, which could be great practice for taking on the Bond mantle.
All the James Bond actors have been (and who might be the next one).
Who is directing the next James Bond film?
On 26 June 2025, news broke that the next James Bond film will be directed by none other than Oscar-nominated French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve.
Denis has plenty of blockbuster films under his belt, including Dune (Part One, Part Two, and the third film Dune: Messiah which is set for a 2026 release date), Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049 (which saw Harrison Ford return to the bleak cinema universe 40 years on from the events of Blade Runner so Denis is well schooled at taking a beloved and well-known story and doing it justice in a sequel or adaption.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” said Deniss in a statement. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.”
Who is producing the next James Bond film?
Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman purchased the rights to Ian Fleming’s novels in 1961. Cubby’s daughter is Barbara Broccoli, and she and her brother, Michael G. Wilson, have been the guardians of the franchise since her father passed. Since its purchase, EON Productions has released 25 films which have grossed over $US7.6 billion at the global box office. EON split profits with MGM Studios, which provided financial backing and distribution.
However, this became complicated when Amazon purchased MGM in 2021 in the months before the last Daniel Craig Bond film, No Time to Die, came into theatres. Michael and Barbara still maintained creative control and half of the film’s profits. That changed in February 2025, when they relinquished all creative control to Amazon MGM in a deal which reportedly cost upwards of US$1 billion.
When is the next James Bond film going to be released?
There’s no news on when the next James Bond film will be released. The first port of call will be to write the script and cast the titular character.
Stay tuned, we will update as soon as we know anything further!
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