The James Bond franchise remains in limbo. Fans have been waiting for news on the next 007 film since No Time To Die hit cinemas in 2021. In 2025, the wait continues, with no official word on a release date, director, or leading man.
MGM’s acquisition by Amazon in 2022 raised questions about the franchise’s future. However, longtime producer Michael G. Wilson has reassured fans: “There’ll always be a Bond.”
Barbara Broccoli, who controls Bond’s future alongside Wilson, has been less optimistic about a quick turnaround. Speaking in 2023, she said: “We haven’t even begun.”
The lack of concrete updates has led to speculation. Rumours range from potential actors and directors to wild theories about a period-set reboot.
Here’s what we know so far.
Who will be the next James Bond?
@Warner Bros. Pictures
READ MORE: James Bond Bosses Want Next Actor To Play 007 For 10+ Years
Daniel Craig’s departure after No Time To Die left a vacancy for the seventh big-screen Bond.
Despite constant speculation, Broccoli has insisted there is no frontrunner. “Nobody’s in the running,” she told Deadline in 2022. “We’re working out where to go with him.”
That hasn’t stopped names from circulating. The most persistent rumour is Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Reports claim Taylor-Johnson, 34, has already met with Broccoli. According to The Sun, he was formally offered the role in March 2024. However, his silence on the matter has only fuelled further speculation.
Josh O’Connor, 34, best known for The Crown, was linked to the role in late 2024. He later dismissed the rumours: “If I am Bond, I don’t know about it.”
In early 2025, Scottish actor Stuart Martin, 39, was named as a contender. The Daily Mail claimed he had been involved in “under-the-radar” talks with Eon Productions.
Another name gaining traction is Paul Mescal. The 27-year-old Normal People star was linked to a unique casting rumour. According to The Sun, Bond 26 will feature two versions of 007—one younger and one older.
Then there’s Henry Cavill. The former Superman actor, 41, has been considered for Bond before. He was in contention for Casino Royale in 2006 but lost out to Craig. Now, his age may count against him again.
Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams has already ruled out a 20-something Bond. “The next Bond won’t be in his 20s,” she told Radio Times.
Wilson has also hinted at the age range, saying: “Bond’s already a veteran. That’s why it works for a 30-something.”
With no official confirmation, the guessing game continues.
Who will direct Bond 26?
@Eon Productions
READ MORE: James Bond Bosses Might Have Passed On Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Before casting a new Bond, Eon will need a director.
Cary Joji Fukunaga, who directed No Time To Die, has expressed interest in returning. But reports suggest Eon is looking elsewhere.
One of the strongest names linked to the job is Steve McQueen. In 2024, The Sun claimed the 12 Years a Slave director had received “a positive response” from Eon.
Another name in the mix was Edward Berger, director of All Quiet on the Western Front. He has since denied the rumours: “There’s no truth to it whatsoever.”
Christopher Nolan was long considered a dream choice for fans. The Oppenheimer director has repeatedly expressed interest in Bond, saying: “I deeply love the character.”
However, in late 2023, Nolan shut down speculation, calling the rumours “b******s.”
Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, has also been linked. He has previously said directing a Bond film would be “pure cinematic joy.”
Other directors mentioned in passing include Danny Boyle, Yann Demange, Susanne Bier, and David Mackenzie.
No official choice has been made.
When will Bond 26 be released?
@Eon Productions
READ MORE: Henry Cavill James Bond Odds Soar After Big Stars Drop Out
There’s no release date for Bond 26.
In 2022, Broccoli told Variety: “It’s going to be a couple of years off.” Many assumed this pointed to 2024 or 2025, but with no progress, a 2026 release now seems more realistic.
Bond films, once greenlit, tend to move quickly. But until Eon finalises its vision for the next era of 007, the timeline remains uncertain.
Will other cast members return?
@Eon Productions
READ MORE: The Search For The Next James Bond To Begin Next Year
Daniel Craig’s Bond was definitively killed off in No Time To Die. But what about the rest of MI6?
Q actor Ben Whishaw suggested a full recast could be on the cards. “I don’t think I’m going to be in the next one,” he told the BBC in 2024.
Traditionally, supporting characters like M, Q, and Moneypenny have carried over between Bond eras. Ralph Fiennes (M), Whishaw (Q), Naomie Harris (Moneypenny), and Rory Kinnear (Tanner) could all return, but nothing is confirmed.
In 2021, Fiennes said he’d be happy to continue: “I’m very keen to train the new Bond.”
The Bond rumours that won’t go away
@Sony Pictures
READ MORE: James Bond Producer Says The Next Bond Actor Does Not Need To Be A White Man
The absence of official news has led to wild speculation.
Qatar filming
Reports suggest Qatar may feature as a filming location. Barbara Broccoli is said to be seeking financing for an Othello adaptation and may bring Bond 26 to Doha as part of the deal.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge to direct?
The Mail on Sunday claimed in 2023 that Waller-Bridge was Broccoli’s first choice to direct. Waller-Bridge later laughed off the rumour, calling it “obviously a joke.”
A period-set Bond?
Nolan was rumoured to be negotiating for a two-film deal set in the 1950s. The director later denied this outright.
Pinewood Studios uncertainty
Disney’s long-term lease of Pinewood Studios has raised concerns about Bond’s traditional home. Reports suggest a deal could be struck to keep Bond 26 at the studio.
Jacob Elordi as Bond?
In 2022, online speculation suggested Euphoria star Jacob Elordi was a contender. Given Bond’s age requirements, this rumour seemed unlikely from the start.
What happens next?
@Eon Productions
Despite the uncertainty, James Bond isn’t going anywhere.
Eon Productions has always taken its time when reinventing the franchise. The post-Craig era is proving no different.
Until an official announcement is made, speculation will continue.
For now, fans can only wait.
