Bond 26: Everything we know about the cast rumors, plot speculation & more

James Bond 26 isn’t just the next 007 movie, it’ll kickstart a new era for the franchise. Here’s what we know, including any release date updates and casting rumors.

With No Time To Die being the final James Bond movie for Daniel Craig, a new actor will need to fill those fine suits from here on out. Still, while we’re sad to see Craig turn in his Walther PPK and Omega watch, fans are rightly excited about who will portray Bond next.

As to what direction the new movie takes, that’s all still up for debate. But, there’s been talk of a much younger version of the character coming into play.

Speculation regarding Bond 26 is rife, and will continue to be so until the film hits the big screen. So, here’s what we know so far.

Is there a Bond 26 release date?

Bond 26 doesn’t have a release date, and with no real developments in the casting department, we wouldn’t expect the movie to arrive until 2026 at the very earliest.

Universal Pictures

The last entry in the franchise, No Time To Die, was released on September 30, 2021. And Barbara Broccoli, a long-running producer on the franchise, said she doesn’t expect Bond 26 to start filming until “at least” 2024.

In an interview in late 2023, Broccoli reiterated that it’s a “big road ahead” for the next Bond movie. Indeed, she added the team hasn’t “even begun” the process of modernizing the character for whatever comes next.

The producers clearly aren’t in any rush, as Broccoli recently said: “There’s nothing I can tell you about the next Bond film. There’s nothing. Nothing is happening yet.”

Who will be the next James Bond in the Bond 26 cast?

The next James Bond hasn’t been confirmed, but Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains the favorite for the role.

Sony

The likes of Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Charlie Cox, Richard Madden, and Aiden Turner have all been heavily linked to the role for years.

At present, it seems Aaron-Taylor Johnson is the next James Bond. The star of Bullet Train and Kick-Ass reportedly met with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson… and it went well.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Taylor-Johnson addressed the rumors with a no-denial, cryptic answer. “It’s flattering, he said. “You can have something really positive [written about you], but you can also have something really negative that can circulate.”

“You just want to stay in your lane, stay grounded, stay around the people that you love and love you back, and stay in that world,” He added. “Because the moment you start believing the sh*t people say about you, you’ve lost your f*cking mind. You’ve lost it.”

Another hot young actor who is reportedly in the running for the role is Irishman Paul Mescal. He is reportedly on the shortlist of actors being considered for the role.

Who will direct Bond 26?

Bond 26’s director hasn’t confirmed, but Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan are rumored to be in the running.

Universal Pictures

Christopher Nolan was once reported to be in talks for the gig, but he quelled any and all reports in a recent interview with AP. When asked if he’d be directing a Bond movie of his own, he said: “No, sadly no. No truth to those rumors.”

Meanwhile, Villeneuve has been open about the fact he’d say yes to such an opportunity. “I would deeply love to one day make a James Bond movie,” he said on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.

“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.”

Sam Mendes — director of Skyfall — stated he’d received a “generous offer” to direct Bond 26, but turned the offer down.

What will Bond 26 be about?

Sadly, we don’t have any plot details to share right now, but it’s almost certain that Bond 26 will reboot the franchise and give the new 007 a fresh start.

Sony Pictures

Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond reinvented how the character could be perceived, as Craig’s version had a definitive arc and universe confined to his adventures. It is expected that Bond 26, like Casino Royale, will serve as a reboot for the entire franchise once more.

Every iteration of Bond so far has had their adventures take place in their respective versions of the modern day. But, could we see that change here? How about going back in time to see Bond navigate espionage amid World War 2?

In Bond lore, he lied about his age to enter the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. This led to him assuming the role of Commander during his career with MI6. A full-on war movie with Bond at the center could be very cool.

It’s certainly possible a fresh take like this could happen, though we think it’s a shame any stories from Charlie Higson’s Young Bond series likely won’t make the cut. Michael G. Wilson revealed the next Bond will already “have had some experience” and “been through the wars, so to speak.”

That’s all we know about Bond 26 for now. But, for more from the names mentioned, check out our list of every Denis Villeneuve movie ranked, or find out what the next Christopher Nolan movie will be. You can also dive into all we know about the Kraven the Hunter release date for more Aaron Taylor-Johnson. And, while we wait, here are the best movies of 2024.