confirmed James Bond 26.

In a recent interview with The Independent, Broccoli shares an update on the casting process for James Bond 26, revealing the kind of actor audiences can expect to take up the mantle. The report states, for example, that the actor will be a man, likely in his 30s. The actor doesn't need to be white, but they do need him to commit to at least a decade's worth of movies.

“It’s a big decision," Broccoli says. She also reveals that she and fellow producer Michael G. Wilson fully expect audiences not to be on board with the choice right away, recalling that there was "anti-Daniel nonsense" when Craig was first cast. Wilson shared his own update on the process, teasing a fresh new take on the franchise:

Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction. Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.”

What The James Bond 26 Casting Update Means For The Movie

Who Is Still In Contention?

The update from Broccoli and Wilson doesn't discount some of the apparent front-runners for the role, notably Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Taylor-Johnson, who is 34, was first rumored to be in contention for the role in early 2023, but no official announcement has since emerged. The actor himself offered a cryptic update last August, telling Esquire: "It's not really for me to say anything."

Other actors in their 30s who are or were once thought to be potential candidates include Regé-Jean Page, Jack Lowden, Richard Madden, and James Norton, all of whom are in their 30s. This update does seemingly mean that other Bond hopefuls like Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Tom Hiddleston, who are all over 40, may not be in contention. The Independent article suggests, however, that actors being in their 30s is preferred rather than absolutely necessary.

Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has already expressed approval in Taylor-Johnson's potential casting, telling RTE that "He can do it," while advising the actor to "be bold" and "just go for it."

Our Take On The 007 Search For James Bond 26

When The Next Bond Is Likely To Release

It's now been three years since audiences bid farewell to Craig's Bond in No Time To Die's explosive ending, and there hasn't actually been a concrete update regarding who is in contention or when the casting announcement will arrive. It seems unlikely an announcement will come before the end of 2024, but it would be surprising if the next 007 wasn't unveiled in 2025. If the actor is announced next year and production starts in 2026, James Bond 26 may not arrive until 2027.

Though it's clear Broccoli and Wilson aren't rushing the process, it does feel as if it's now time for the next era of 007 to begin.

Such a large gap between releases, however, may be for the best since Craig's Bond was so well-received, setting expectations high for his successor. Though it's clear Broccoli and Wilson aren't rushing the process, it does feel as if it's now time for the next era of 007 to begin. Hopefully, an official announcement will arrive in the next few months.

Source: The Independent