With Dune: Part Three looming on the very sandy horizon, director Denis Villeneuve is getting ready to turn his attention to his next extremely high-profile job, directing the next installment of the James Bond series.
The previous entry, No Time to Die brought an end to Daniel Craig‘s time portraying the character, in explosive fashion, so the next film is set to be a completely fresh start, including a new actor wielding the Walther PPK.
Several reports from the trades today confirmed that the filmmakers’ search for a new Bond is enter its final stages, with a small handful of actors preparing to screen test for the part as soon as this weekend.
Keep reading for everything to know about the upcoming 26th James Bond movie.
The Cast
Deadline was first out the gate with a story about the quickly approaching screen tests, claiming that at least three previously rumored actors were officially trying out for the part: Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor.
The Hollywood Reporter was quick to follow up that initial report, confirming through its sources that Turner and Lowden were set to test and adding that potential candidates Jack O’Connell and Jacob Elordi would not be included.
Behind the Scenes
The film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, the visionary Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune. Villeneuve released a statement with the announcement that he would be directing, calling the opportunity to direct Bond “a massive responsibility” and “a huge honor.” Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers and Tanya Lapointe will be an executive producer.
Steven Knight, the acclaimed screenwriter and creator of Peaky Blinders, has been tapped to write the script. Besides Peaky Blinders, Knight’s credits include Dirty Pretty Things, the BBC series Taboo, and the Hulu thriller The Veil.
The Backstory
This film will be the first Bond project under Amazon MGM Studios’ creative control, following a deal struck in March 2025 with longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The film will mark the follow-up to 2021’s No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007. That movie earned over $774 million globally.
While plot details for the next entry remain tightly under wraps, expectations are high based on the team involved. Villeneuve’s films have a consistent history of visual excellence: Six of his last seven films have been nominated for Best Cinematography at the Oscars, with Blade Runner 2049 and Dune both taking home the award.
Release Date
No release date has been confirmed yet. Villeneuve is currently shooting Dune: Part Three, the follow-up to Dune: Part Two, that suggests Bond 26 is unlikely to shoot before late 2026. But with a new writer and a visionary director it’s clear James Bond is set to embark on a bold new chapter.
