James Bond 26 is still a year or so away from filming, but rumours keep bubbling about who’s playing 007 – and who’s writing the song! The last time a James Bond movie was in front of the cameras, it was back in 2019 as the final shots for No Time To Die were being ... James Bond 26 | The start of 2026 current 007 rumour mill
James Bond 26 is still a year or so away from filming, but rumours keep bubbling about who’s playing 007 – and who’s writing the song!
The last time a James Bond movie was in front of the cameras, it was back in 2019 as the final shots for No Time To Die were being captured. In 2026, under new ownership, 007 might well be filming again, and there are many gaps to be filled in ahead of then.
The obvious one: who will be James Bond? The rumour mill has been hard at work on that question already this year, and candidates are getting a fair amount of (digital) ink.
The two leading contenders – and heck, I’ve got no insight here – appear to be Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi. Turner is the one who seems to be getting the most traction, the latest turn in a career that’s taken in the likes of the Fantastic Beasts films and The Capture. I’m seeing Turner already described as a badly kept secret, but countering that, the suggestion that he’s still got a few hurdles to go. Jacob Elordi is still in the conversation.
For the minute though, the spotlight appears to be on those two, although I’m always reminded that nobody seemed to guess Daniel Craig’s casting until the very last minute. What is clear is that an announcement needs to be made this year. Appreciating that Dune: Part Three is taking the attention of James Bond 26 director Denis Villeneuve, once he’s locked and finished that, expect an announcement on his casting choice fairly soon after that.
On the music side, people are less coy. A rumour sprung up that Oasis are on the list to record the song for the new James Bond movie. Noel Gallagher of the band went on the radio and said he’d be “honoured” to write the title track, although what also became clear from the conversation was the link was as much a surprise to him as anyone. Doesn’t mean he’s not on the wishlist, but it’s a useful indicator of where James Bond rumours are at the moment. Firmly in the rumour count.
What is clear is that Steven Knight needs to deliver his screenplay this year, and that a casting announcement needs to be made. Then, the expectation is that new owners Amazon MGM will need the movie shooting this time next year, to hit an end of 2027 release date.
Expect a lot, lot, lot more rumours between now and then!
