The future of the “Old Bond” movie, which would follow James Bond’s later years, and a “Young Bond” movie, which could act as a kind of prequel to the existing movies. However, fans can’t quite agree on which fresh idea would be best.

The discussion around which actor will be the next James Bond has been ongoing ever since Daniel Craig stepped back following No Time To Die, and the theories aren’t slowing down any time soon. Barbara Broccoli and Eon previously stated they were looking for somebody in their ‘30s to play the iconic character, but Amazon’s acquisition means that anything is now possible. Nothing has officially been announced, but it’s also safe to assume that some spin-off projects will also be put into development, widening the world of James Bond even further.

Old Bond Could Bring Back An Existing Bond Actor

Brosnan Or Dalton Could Return To The Franchise

The main appeal of an “Old Bond” movie for most audiences is that an existing actor could return to the role after several years. The most obvious candidates would be Pierce Brosnan or Timothy Dalton, who are both still active in the industry and whose performances as Bond were fairly well-received upon release. Although neither actor has expressed any official plans to come back, the idea of an “Old Bond” movie is something that’s been floating around for a while, and many fans are excited to see whether Brosnan or Dalton would be up to the task.

It will be very difficult for Amazon to continue the James Bond franchise following the explosive ending of No Time To Die, which saw Daniel Craig’s version of the character killed at the hands of Lyutsifer Safin. This means that Bond 26 can’t simply pick up where the previous installments ended, and it would also struggle to carry over the same cast (like Casino Royale did with Judi Dench). That leaves two options: either a completely fresh slate and a brand-new continuity, or returning to a version of Bond who isn’t dead.

Old Bond Would Be More Satisfying For Existing Fans

The Film Would Be A Great Source Of Nostalgia

An “Old Bond” movie is certainly the most popular option for those who grew up with the James Bond franchise. The thought of seeing Brosnan or Dalton (or even Moore) return to this franchise after so many years is undeniably exciting, in the same way that projects like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Deadpool and Wolverine recently did the same thing by bringing older actors back to their iconic roles. The huge success of these movies proves that it’s possible, and most importantly, that older fans would turn up to see their favorite actor in the role once more.

The deal has left many fans jaded by the idea of James Bond falling into the wrong hands, but an “Old Bond” project could remind viewers that the series is still going strong, and most importantly, is still familiar.

Bringing an existing Bond actor back for another project would also be an effective way of getting audiences back on the franchise’s side after James Bond’s recent acquisition by Amazon. The deal has left many fans jaded by the idea of James Bond falling into the wrong hands, but an “Old Bond” project could remind viewers that the series is still going strong, and most importantly, is still familiar.

Young Bond Would Be A Much-Needed Fresh Start

The Franchise Needs A New Face To Move Forward

On the other hand, those who didn’t necessarily grow up with James Bond may be eager to see a totally new face in Bond 26. It’s been almost two decades since Daniel Craig took up the mantle in Casino Royale, and the franchise needs to step into the future in order to survive - not dive back into the past. A younger James Bond seems like the most logical way to do this, giving a new actor the perfect opportunity to kickstart their careers.

A “Young Bond” movie also makes the most sense logistically - bringing Brosnan or Dalton back for a single movie would be fun, but then Amazon would simply need to recast a new James Bond anyway. It makes tons more sense to simply cast a younger actor right away, perhaps somebody in their 20s or 30s, and give them time to grow up alongside the character.

Young Bond Could Take The Franchise Back In Time

This Opens The Door For A Period Piece Bond Movie

Discussions about Bond 26 have been ongoing ever since No Time To Die was released, and one of the most popular James Bond fan theories is that the sequel will actually be a prequel, taking the franchise back in time to the 1960s. This would certainly be a new angle for the series, and it actually comes with the clear benefit of appeasing both sides of the argument; long-time fans will get their fix of “classic” Bond storytelling and nostalgia, while newcomers will get the fresh face and younger actor.

Fans have wanted a modern take on 1960s James Bond for years, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to make it happen. It would have been impossible during Daniel Craig’s era, as Casino Royale had already established him as living in the present day - this is the first time there’s been a clear path to make it happen since 2006. Incidentally, Amazon’s acquisition of James Bond opens the door for plenty of spin-offs and side projects; even if Bond 26 doesn’t go down this route, there’s room for a ‘60s-set prequel series.

Which Bond Idea Is Best?

A Young Bond Seems Like The Safest Route

Ultimately, the decision of which James Bond idea is “best” comes down to personal preference - but there’s something about “Young Bond” that seems particularly interesting given the current state of the franchise. Even if it’s just a spin-off project, going back to the 1960s and exploring Bond’s life before the events of the existing movies would be such a creative way of breathing new life into the series, and it would be a seamless way of introducing a new lead actor without overriding the emotional impact of No Time To Die’s ending.