When will the next James Bond be announced? Everything we know about James Bond 26

The James Bond movies celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2022. Now, in 2025, fans are still eagerly anticipating the announcement of the new James Bond, and details of the next movie.

Bond 26 — the codename for the 26th film in the James Bond movie series — has not yet been officially announced, but its release is as inevitable as 007 enjoying his martini shaken not stirred.

Bond's co-owner MGM was acquired by Amazon in 2022, and long time 007 producer Michael G Wilson assured fans that the character will return: "It’s a whole new world," he said in 2022. "We’ve got to see what happens with Amazon. But there’ll always be a Bond.”

In February 2025 after a long bought of silence from Amazon MGM and Eon Productions, it was announced that long time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson would cede creative control over the James Bond films to Amazon MGM, while remaining co-owners of the franchise. This paved the way for Amazon to proceed with active development on Bond 26, including finally hiring the next James Bond.

So here, to sort the fact from fiction, is everything we know about Bond 26 so far.

Click the headlines below to jump ahead

> Who will be the next James Bond?

> Who will direct Bond 26?

> When will Bond 26 be released?

> Will any of the other James Bond cast return?

> The biggest Bond 26 rumours

Who will be the next James Bond?

Daniel Craig — due to the events of No Time To Die — has been ruled out of making a sixth film as Bond. Could Aaron Taylor-Johnson be the 007th man to play Bond on the big screen? This remains unconfirmed at the moment.

Read more: The James Bond films ranked

Before handing over creative control, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the decision makers behind the Bond films, shared a few hints about what to expect from the seventh actor to play 007:

• "You think of him as being from Britain or the Commonwealth, but Britain is a very diverse place," Michael G Wilson, told Variety.

• "He can be of any colour, but he is male," Barbara Broccoli, told Variety.

• "Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience... That’s why it works for a 30-something," Wilson told Deadline.

• "The next Bond won't be in his 20s" Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams told Radio Times.

However, with Amazon MGM now at the helm of Bond, the guardrails for who could play 007 next have now been removed. The next Bond could be younger to bring in new audiences for example.

The most persistent rumour to date was that Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson could be the next actor to play Bond.

Responding to the rumours in August 2023, while promoting his upcoming Spider-Man spin-off Kraven The Hunter, the 34-year-old actor refused to confirm or deny he would be the next 007.

"It’s not really for me to say anything," he told Esquire.

Read more: Who is Aaron Taylor-Johnson?

In March 2024, The Sun reported that Eon was working on a script, and that Taylor-Johnson had been offered the role, and they were waiting for him to 'sign the contract'.

In December, The Crown star Josh O'Connor entered the frame as a possible contender to play the 007th James Bond. Trade paper The Hollywood Reporter identified the 34-year-old British actor as the right man for the gig, saying he's "an English actor poised on the cusp of superstardom — familiar to audiences but not too familiar, with a seductive smile, ease with a tossed-off one-liner and charisma to spare."

Another new frontrunner is Paul Mescal, the 27-year-old actor is gaining a name for himself in a big way in Hollywood ever since his star-turning role in Normal People. According to reports from The Sun the actor is said to be being eyed up for 007's tuxedo.

Former Superman star Henry Cavill, 41, also seems a likely choice having come close to landing the role in 2006's Casino Royale. He lost out then for being too young (22), but could miss out this time around for being too old (41).

However, when Amazon boss Jeff Bezos asked his Twitter followers "Who’d you pick as the next Bond?", he got over 31k replies, with Henry Cavill fans flooding the comments suggesting their man for the role. Could the next Bond simply go to the most popular online choice?

Online bookies Betway analysed the names who generated the most hype online, and Cavill topped the list, followed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Cillian Murphy rounding out the top five contenders.

Other names popular online included Theo James, Jamie Dornan, Tom Hiddleston, James Norton and Dev Patel.

Who will direct Bond 26?

Before we get a Bond actor in place, Amazon will need to hire a director first, who will then assist in casting the next 007.

No Time To Die director Cary Joji Fukunaga expressed an interest in directing another Bond film, telling Yahoo in 2021: "I would never say never."

Beyond Fukunaga (who seems unlikely to be asked back), other directors who had been linked with Bond 26 include Danny Boyle (who nearly directed No Time To Die), Yann Demange ('71), Susanne Bier (The Night Manager), David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) and Denis Villeneuve (Dune).

Sir Steve McQueen was linked with directing Bond 26, with The Sun saying that the 12 Years a Slave director had "caught the attention of James Bond bosses". Their unnamed source said "The word is that the Bond producers wanted to see if Steve would ever consider having a hand in one of the films and they got a positive response." McQueen's new film Blitz has been met with critical acclaim.

Another director who has been strongly linked with directing is All Quiet on the Western Front's Edward Berger, although he has since dismissed it as 'an absolute rumour' telling Deadline: "There’s no truth to it whatsoever. I would be very grateful if you put out that fire."

The name most fans would like to see in the chair is Christopher Nolan who has stated an interest in directing a Bond reboot. In 2012, Nolan said: "It would have to be the right situation and the right time in their cycle of things."

While promoting Oppenheimer, Nolan was put on the spot about Bond 26 by Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast, and he refused the rule out the possibility once again.

"It has to be the right moment in your creative life where you can express what you want to express and really burrow into something within the appropriate constraints, because you would never want to take on something like that and do it wrong," Nolan replied.

"You’d have to be needed, if you know what I mean? It has to need reinvention; it has to need you."

Sadly, in November 2023, Nolan was asked outright if he would be directing Bond 26 and he issued a flat denial, telling AP: “No, sadly no — no truth to those rumours.”

Nolan doubled down on this at the 2024 Golden Globes after winning Best Director and Best Picture (drama), telling Deadline the rumours are "b******s, pure b******s."

With Nolan tied up making The Odyssey for release in July 2026, he seems to be ruled out for Bond 26 at this stage. Denis Villeneuve is similarly committed to Dune Part 3. Could Danny Boyle return to the fold after he quit Bond 25 due to creative differences?

When will Bond 26 be released?

With Amazon taking over the reins of Bond 26, an actual release date seems closer than ever. Due to the time it takes to write, develop, and shoot a James Bond, the earliest date we would predict Bond 26 being in cinemas in late 2026, but things would need to move quickly to meet that date. A more realistic release date would be late 2027.

One thing we can be sure of: When Bond 26 hits cinemas, it will be released by Universal Pictures. Bond's co-owner MGM signed a two-film deal with the studio to distribute No Time To Die and Bond 26.

Read more: How each of the six Bond actors shaped the role

Despite MGM's acquisition by Amazon, producers say the Bond films will never go straight to streaming.

“We focussed on making the films for theatrical release and… I think that’s our position," Broccoli told Sky in 2021. "[Amazon] certainly have told us that the films will be theatrical films in the future. And we’ll see what happens.”

Will other cast members return for Bond 26?

Although Daniel Craig is out of the picture for Bond 26, questions remain over the other recurring characters from his five Bond films. Ralph Fiennes' M, Naomie Harris's Moneypenny, and Ben Whishaw's Q could all return, if Amazon wanted them to reprise their roles.

In September 2024, Bond's current Q, Whishaw said he had a feeling that the new movie might feature a completely new cast. “I don’t think I’m going to be in the next one,” he told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg. “I think they’re going to start all over again, and with a new cast, a completely new cast. I think that’s my hunch, but I don’t know. I have no idea.”

In 2021, Fiennes told Total Film that he hoped to return as M to introduce the next 007. "If anyone from Eon Films is listening, I'm very keen to continue training the new Bond," Fiennes said.

In 2021, Harris told Radio Times that she hoped to play Moneypenny again saying: "I would love to come back, because the franchise means so much to me."

"I've loved it – it's felt like reuniting with the family every time I've gone back to do a Bond movie, so I would hate to lose that in my life. But, you know, the franchise needs to go where it needs to go, so I don't know what the future holds."

Bond 26 rumours

While who will be the next James Bond is the most persistent conversation around Bond 26, there have been a number of rumours around the movie that have generated headlines around the world.

Stuart Martin has 'emerged as new favourite' to be James Bond

The Daily Mail says 39-year-old Scottish actor Stuart Martin has "impressed bosses with his last decade of work" and "unknowingly catapulted himself into the ring" to be the next James Bond. If he landed the role, he would be the first Scottish actor to play 007 since Sean Connery.

Martin has over 40 acting credits to his name, but is probably best known for his appearances in both parts of Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon on Netflix, Army of Thieves, and his leading role in Miss Scarlet and the Duke which airs in the UK on Alibi.

Martin left his role as the Duke on the historical drama after four seasons in 2024.

Josh O'Connor will be 'the next James Bond'

After winning plaudits for playing Prince Charles in two series of Netflix's The Crown, The Hollywood Reporter predicted that Josh O'Connor would be the right level of fame to play 007 in Bond 26.

Talking to Deadline in January 2025, O'Connor addressed the rumours directly saying "I have no thoughts [about playing James Bond], really. The truth is that … I think in the space of a week, I made a joke about, wouldn’t it be funny if I played Bond? Then, me and Daniel [Craig] did an Actors on Actors, and then something else happened, and then suddenly I was James Bond. If I am Bond, I don’t know about it."

Steve McQueen has been 'lined up' to direct Bond 26

In November 2024, The Sun linked Oscar-winner Steve McQueen with the directing gig on Bond 26, with an unnamed insider saying "Steve is one of the UK’s best filmmakers and has an incredible vision... It would be incredible if it came off."

They added that McQueen's reps gave them a "very chirpy 'no comment'" when asked about the rumour.

Edward Berger is 'on Eon's radar' to direct Bond 26 (debunked)

In August 2024, The Telegraph published a feature with the headline: "Why it’s taking so long to find the next James Bond". The in-depth piece explored the current state of the next Bond film, and it named German filmmaker Edward Berger as a man on Eon's 'radar' for Bond 26, alongside screenwriter Kelly Marcel, Australian David Michod, Yann Demange, and Bart Layton as possible contenders.

Berger has since debunked the claim as "an absolute rumour. There’s no truth to it whatsoever. I would be very grateful if you put out that fire."

Bond 26 will film in Qatar

Daniel Craig is currently working with his former James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli to bring an adaptation of his 2016 Broadway hit Othello to the big screen. The modern day retelling of the Shakespeare play is set in an American army barracks in Iraq, and Broccoli is said to seeking financing from middle eastern states including Qatar.

Rumours suggest that a sweetener for the Othello deal would included bringing the next James Bond film to Doha for some location shooting. The James Bond films have never filmed in the Gulf before.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been formally offered the role of James Bond

In March 2024, The Sun whispered that Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor Johnson is a lock to play James Bond. Their unnamed source said: “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back."

The tabloid added that production on Bond 26 had been delayed by 2023's writer and actor strike, but that the script was being worked on and production is being prepped for at Pinewood Studios.

However, after Taylor-Johnson's Spider-Man spin-off Kraven The Hunter flopped at the box office, tabloid rumours suggested that the film's failure had cast some doubt on his bankability as Bond. The Mail Online said: "People will ask whether Aaron has that mainstream appeal or if this was just a blip."

Paul Mescal and an older actor will play 007 in Bond 26

In December 2023, The Sun claimed Normal People star Paul Mescal was 'in talks' to play James Bond in Bond 26 which will feature two 007s "one younger and one older". 27-year-old Mescal was said to be "their top target", with no actors suggested for the role of the older 007.

While the idea of two 007s in one movie may seem far-fetched, this was already explored as a concept in 1967's spoof Bond film Casino Royale, which featured David Niven as the older, retired secret agent, alongside a number of replacement Bonds including Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, Terrence Cooper, Barbara Bouchet and even Woody Allen as Jimmy Bond.

Early scripts for 1987's The Living Daylights also explored the concept of a young James Bond being recruited to the secret service by an older 007 who trains him before passing over the mantle at the end of the film. This prequel idea was later explored in 2006's Casino Royale, but the older 007 was not included.

Chris Nolan is negotiating to direct two Bond films 'in period settings'

Fresh from the success of his historical biopic Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan was rumoured to be in talks to write and direct not one, but two Bond films.

Movie rumour site World of Reel claims that their unnamed 'inside source' told them that Nolan is the number one (and also only) choice of Bond 26 director for Eon and Amazon, but his demands for 'creative freedom' could be a sticking point.

The filmmaker is also rumoured to be pushing for a period-set reboot and hopes to adapt Ian Fleming's original novels as the source material.

Nolan directing period-set Bond films seems like many fans' dream scenario (see the directors section below), but this rumour ignores the facts that: the 007 films have always been set '15 minutes into the future', they rely heavily on product placement for funding (goodbye multi-million Nokia and Sony deals), and period action films don't draw in punters (see 2021's The King's Man and 2015's The Man from U.N.C.L.E.), and that all of Ian Fleming's Bond books have already been adapted for the screen.

Despite the online chatter, Nolan recently cleared things up by telling the Associated Press that there is "no truth" to the rumours, and then doubling down at the Golden Globes 2024 by calling the rumours "b******s".

Denis Villeneuve is 'frontrunner' to direct Bond 26

Instagram rumour-mongerers Deux Moi claim "Denis Villeneuve is the #1 target for Bond producer Barbara Broccoli" which is not outside the realm of possibility.

In 2018, Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve was on the shortlist to direct No Time To Die. He ruled himself out in favour of making Dune, but has long admitted a desire to direct a Bond film one day. In 2021, he said on the Happy Sad Confused podcast: "I would deeply love to one day make a James Bond movie.

Read more: Denis Villeneuve would've loved to direct Bond 25 (Indiewire)

"It’s a character that I’ve been with — like everybody — since my childhood. I have massive affection for Bond. It would be a big challenge for people to try and reboot it after what Daniel did."

"It’s true that it would be a dream to do 007," the Sicario director added. "I don’t know if such a thing would happen, but it would be a privilege. At the end of the day, that would be pure cinematic joy.”

Villeneuve is currently in post-production on Dune: Part Two which will arrive in cinemas in November, 2023, so there's a chance the stars could align in time for production to begin on Bond 26.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the 'first choice' to direct Bond 26 (debunked)

On 1 April, 2023 The Mail On Sunday published a story that claimed that the Fleabag creator had been in 'early discussions' with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and was now her 'number one choice' to direct Bond 26.

"Barbara believes Phoebe is a huge talent and brings a fresh, modern take to Bond," an unnamed source reportedly told the tabloid. "They've already had very early discussions, but there are lots of variables in the equation, including Phoebe's increasingly packed schedule."

In June 2023, Waller-Bridge debunked the rumour while promoting Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny telling Vanity Fair: “My mum sent me that rumour too,” before denying the rumour flat out, pointing out that she'd only ever directed one music video before.

“So the obvious leap is James Bond,” she jokes.

Daisy May Cooper 'will be the new M' (debunked)

In March 2023, The Sun published a sensational scoop that claimed the Bafta-winning creator of This Country, Daisy May Cooper, "is in talks to join the Bond franchise — as spy chief ‘M’."

An unnamed insider claimed: "Bosses hope the 36-year-old would bring a comedic and quirky edge to the role," as the producers make the films "a bit lighter and more comedic going forwards". However, Cooper has already dismissed this claim saying "the only M I'll ever be is Mental".

Phoebe Waller-Bridge 'will write Bond 26'

In September 2019, when No Time To Die was in post-production, trusted Bond insider Baz Bamigboye wrote for the Daily Mail that the Fleabag creator — and co-writer of No Time To Die — was being 'wooed to help write a future James Bond film. "The award-winning writer and actress is being wooed to contribute to the script for Bond 26, which is still years away," he claimed.

"How much she’ll actually work on Bond 26 will depend on who directs it."

Bond 26 may not be filmed at Pinewood

In 2019, Disney signed a deal to lease Pinewood Studios — the home of Bond and the location of the fabled 007 Stage — in a years-long deal. With Disney's crowded production slate, this could mean the next Bond film may need to find a new home.

The BBC reported though that a deal could be made between EON and Disney to ensure Bond 26 still has a home at Pinewood: "Despite the Disney deal, it is believed that there is a possibility that, given its history, future James Bond films will still be filmed there."

Jacob Elordi might be in the running to play Bond

In March 2022, Instagram rumour-mongerers Deuxmoi claimed that Australian Euphoria actor Jacob Elordi was being considered as the next 007.

This was based on an anonymous tip sent to them that said "There has been interest in Jacob Elordi becoming the next James Bond. The franchise wants a younger leading man for the reboot. But it's very early days". You can probably chalk this one up to thirsty fans of the 25-year-old star of Netflix's Kissing Booth series.

Bond 26 does not yet have a release date.

Watch: The best Bond films ever