James Bond 26: Who Could Play 007 & Everything We Know (2024)

The long-awaited release of No Time to Die marked the end of Daniel Craig’s lauded 15-year tenure as 007, sparking questions about who will replace him and what to expect from Bond 26. Craig’s era revolutionized the franchise and its lead character in many significant ways, while still holding onto the enduring core of James Bond. With huge hits like Casino Royale and Skyfall, Craig will be a tough act to follow, but there have already been some promising clues about what the next James Bond movie could have in store.

Though few details about Bond 26 have been revealed yet — likely because they haven’t even been figured out — it’s confirmed to be in the works. Rumors of streaming series and other spinoff projects have also circulated since Amazon’s purchase of MGM in 2022, but the biggest questions for the future of the James Bond franchise revolve around the upcoming 26th James Bond movie and, of course, who will be playing 007 after Daniel Craig.

Latest News On The 26th James Bond Movie

A Timeline Update Is Provided By Amazon MGM

As rumors continue to swirl regarding casting and who will sit in the director's chair, the latest update confirms the timeline for James Bond 26. The news was broken by Amazon MGM studios executive Jennifer Salke, who addressed the imminent future of the beloved franchise. As for when the next movie can be expected, Salke said "The global audience will be patient. We don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point." Though that doesn't reveal much, it suggests that Amazon MGM isn't wanting to rush things.

In regard to the casting process, Salke was also rather guarded, saying "There are a lot of ideas [about potential actors] that have popped up that I thought are interesting." However, she didn't speak to any of the specific rumors, such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson being offered the 007 role.

Read Salke's full statement below:

There are a lot of ideas [about potential actors] that have popped up that I thought are interesting. I think there are a lot of different ways we can go. We have a good and close relationship with Eon and Barbara and Michael. We are not looking to disrupt the way those wonderful films are made. For us, we are taking their lead.

The global audience will be patient. We don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point.

Bond 26 Is Confirmed

The 26th James Bond Movie Is Happening

The 26th James Bond movie is confirmed. After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, there were some concerns around the franchise, but producer Michael G. Wilson was quick to assure audiences that 007 would be back just as the end credits of No Time To Die promised. "It’s a whole new world,"Wilson explained in a 2022 interview (via Deadline), "We’ve got to see what happens with Amazon. But there’ll always be a Bond."

Amazon MGM studio executive Jennifer Salke spoke about the next Bond film in October 2024, and she ostensibly confirmed that they were taking their time with the 26th film. However, a specific timeline of production remains elusive and will probably remain that way for some time.

Who Will Play 007 In The 26th James Bond Movie?

The Possible Bond 26 James Bond Actors Explained

The key question surrounding Bond 26 is who will play James Bond after Daniel Craig (Glass Onion). Some of the biggest names in the conversation have been tossed around for years, including Idris Elba (The Suicide Squad) and Tom Hardy (Venom). Casting either of those stars would be an interesting new direction for the character, although neither appears to be eager to play James Bond. Idris Elba has said he doesn’t want the role publicly, although he’s glad to be fancasted so often.

The two likeliest choices for the next James Bond appear to be Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Henry Cavill is most known for playing Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher and Superman in the DCEU, though he proved he’s well suited for spy movies in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Argylle.

The other front-runner for the next James Bond is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for playing Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron, the titular hero in Kick-Ass and Kick-Ass 2. While not having as much experience in similar roles as Henry Cavill, many feel that Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be a perfect James Bond. In March 2024, it was reported that Taylor-Johnson was offered the 007 role, but no one involved in the production confirmed that fact, and it is unclear where Taylor-Johnson stands on playing the part.

Bond 26 Supporting Cast

Who Will Return After No Time To Die?

While James Bond himself will be recast for Bond 26, some of the franchise’s other recent stars could return to reprise their current characters. In the past, the actors for M, Q, Moneypenny, and other recurring characters have often leaped from one Bond to the next. Judi Dench began her time as M during the Pierce Brosnan James Bond era, for instance, and Desmond Llewelyn played Q from 1963 until 1999. That sets a precedent for some of Craig's costars to return.

At least some of them would certainly like to. Ben Whishaw’s contract is up after No Time to Die, but he’s said that he’d be interested in playing Q again. Ralph Fiennes, who took over for Dench as M in Skyfall, has also expressed a desire to continue in the role. Given the popularity of Naomie Harris' Moneypenny, there’s a chance she could return as well under the right circumstances. It would be great to see some familiar faces as returning Bond characters in the next installment, but a fully fresh start could also be good for the franchise.

Bond 26 Story

What Will The 26th James Bond Movie Be About?

There is nothing confirmed about the plot or story of Bond 26 yet, with the only known detail being that it will be another trademark soft-reboot for the franchise to coincide with another actor stepping up to play 007. As with its predecessors, No Time to Die ends with the promise that “James Bond will return” after the credits, guaranteeing that Bond 26 is on the way. That shouldn’t come as a surprise given the popularity of the franchise, but it does allude to a few more details about the future of 007.

It also confirms that, despite many rumors, the next movie will once again see James Bond taking up the 007 mantle. In No Time To Die the character Nomi was played by Lashana Lynch, and the M16 agent had taken up the 007 code number after Bond’s retirement. This led to speculation that the 26th James Bond movie wouldn’t be about James Bond at all. However, the end credits of No Time To Die indicate that when 007 returns in Bond 26 it will once again be the man who likes his martinis shaken, not stirred at the center of the adventure.