Next James Bond Actor Expected by Year End
Producers are reportedly close to choosing a new 007, with Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing the 26th official film.
Key points
- Producer Amy Pascal said late in the year is a likely time for the announcement.
- Closing auditions reportedly happened during the last weeks of October.
- Denis Villeneuve will direct and Steven Knight will write the film.
- Release is planned for 2028, though no exact dates have been announced.
- Six actors have played Bond, with Daniel Craig the most recent.
According to the BBC, fans of the James Bond series are waiting for the next actor to take on the role of 007. The broadcaster says the announcement is expected in November or December. Producer Amy Pascal told Deadline in August that the team was being very methodical, and reports suggest the last round of auditions was held during the closing weeks of October.
Bond is set for another fresh start, with a different lead performer and a team of new creators behind it. The franchise is now owned by Amazon MGM. Some observers expect the company to reveal the choice through its Prime Video streaming service, rather than through a traditional photo call or press conference.
Who is in the running
The BBC lists three frontrunners thought to have reached the final stage of testing. They are Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Callum Turner, each 36 years old. Other actors named in the frame include Jack O’Connell, Jack Barton, Joe Alwyn, Nicholas Hoult, Robert Pattinson, Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal.
The outlet also notes that Daniel Craig was a surprise pick in 2005. For that reason, a candidate who has not yet been widely reported could still be chosen.
Director, writer and release timing
Denis Villeneuve will direct the film. The French-Canadian filmmaker known for Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival and Dune has said he grew up watching Bond films with his father. He described the role as a massive responsibility and a huge honour.
Steven Knight, the writer behind Peaky Blinders and Burnt, will write the script. He has said he wants to write the character rather than the actor, and that he feels a duty to the source material. Filming preparations are scheduled to begin in 2027, ahead of a 2028 cinema debut. No exact dates have been announced, and the title has not been confirmed.
A history of six actors
Only six actors have played Bond in official films. Sean Connery appeared in six films between 1962 and 1971, and George Lazenby starred in one, in 1969. Roger Moore made seven films, Timothy Dalton two, Pierce Brosnan four and Daniel Craig five, the last between 2006 and 2021.
The series has 25 official films so far. The new movie would be the 26th. Connery also appeared in Never Say Never Again in 1983, a film made by another studio and outside the official run.
What could change
Because of the ending of No Time to Die, a direct continuation of the story would be difficult, according to the BBC. The report says the film could instead present a different version of Bond in another universe, or be set in an earlier era. Tony Gilroy has said he and Steven Soderbergh once pitched a 1960s version. Ralph Fiennes has also said he suggested a black and white, 1950s-style film noir version.
Details of the film’s shape will become clearer later. For now, fans are waiting for the casting news that they expect before the end of the year.
Frequently asked questions
When will the next James Bond actor be announced?
The BBC reports that the announcement is expected in November or December. Producer Amy Pascal told Deadline in August that late in the year is a likely timeframe.
Who will direct the next Bond film?
Denis Villeneuve will direct the film. The BBC notes that he is known for Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and the Dune trilogy.
When will the next Bond film be released?
The film is planned for a 2028 release, with production preparations scheduled to begin in 2027. No exact dates have been announced.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
