Updated James Bond’s 26th Official Movie – Latest News, Rumours, Speculation

Updated on October 4, 2022 by Gary O' Driscoll

Posted in News

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“Bond, James Bond”

With those three words, accompanied by the notes of John Barry’s iconic theme, Ian Fleming’s hero was etched irrevocably into the fabric of popular cinema as one of its most enduring and beloved franchises.

Spanning 24 officially licensed movies released in the time since Dr No (25 in total including Dr No), an officially licensed children’s animated TV series (1991’s James Bond Jr), 29 officially licensed videogames with a 30th currently in development.

As well as two non officially licensed movie releases adapting Fleming’s original novels (1967’s Casino Royale, and 1983’s Never Say Never Again based on Thunderball), a non officially licensed spin-off movie (1967’s Operation Kid Brother starring Sean Connery’s real life brother, Neil, in the starring role) and an unofficially licensed videogame (1983’s James Bond 007 video game by Parker Brothers).

There is no doubt that Mr Bond will grace our screens once more, ready to foil the machinations of the next deadly villain seeking destruction and domination, all while armed with his trusty Walther PPK, a stinging one liner, and an array of the Q Division’s finest spy tech.

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Latest news on James Bond 26

04/10/2022:

In a recent interview with Deadline, “Bond” franchise producer, Michael G. Wilson, confirmed once more that the casting search for the next actor to step into the iconic role has not begun yet, despite what others may be saying.

He also reiterated that he and his producing partner and sister, Barbara Broccoli, would only be looking at actors who are at least in their thirties at the time of casting, explaining that:

“We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.“

Additionally, Wilson also revealed during a recent “In Conversation” event celebrating 60 years of James Bond on screen, that when auditioning prospective Bond actors, he and Broccoli always use a specific scene from the franchise’s on screen history in order to judge how well the actor auditioning will be able to embody on screen the depth of Bond’s personality.

As Wilson explained:

“We always use the same scene … and that’s the one in From Russia With Love ,where Bond comes back to his room after the assassination, and he starts taking off his shirt, goes into the room to bathe. Then he hears something, takes his gun, goes in and the girl’s in the bed,”

”That was the test we use. Anyone who can bring that scene off is right for Bond. It’s tough to do.”

21/09/2022:

In an extensive interview with Variety, Bond movie producers and stewards of the franchise, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, had this to say regarding their ongoing search for the next actor to take on the iconic mantle of Bond:

“The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off,” she notes. “And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. So he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].” Wilson interjects: “And he was in his early 30s at the time!“

24/08/2022:

Per this report from Deadline, Warner Bros. Pictures has entered into a multi-year agreement with MGM Studios to distribute MGM’s films internationally beginning with the release of the Timothée Chalamet starring “Bones and All” in November.

The agreement also includes terms stating that while the 26th James Bond movie will still be released internationally by Uni International due to the terms of the previous international release agreement between MGM and Universal Pictures. Any further Bond movies released afterwards will then be distributed internationally by Warner Bros.

What is the story of James Bond 26?

At present, nothing is known about the story of the film as Bond rights holders and movie producers, EON Productions, are still searching for their next actor to embody the iconic role.

Although, going by the previous instances of a new Bond being cast (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Live and Let Die, The Living Daylights, Goldeneye, Casino Royale), the stories usually tend to be a straightforward spy action adventure wherein a new threat arises to world peace requiring Bond to investigate and neutralise the threat.

Often, as these stories are the showcase of the new Bond actor, they will feature vehicles and gadgets unique to this interpretation of Bond, as, not unlike Doctor Who, who would debut the year after Doctor No in 1963.

A new Bond actor allows the opportunity for a new Bond personality. As, will this Bond be as smouldering and casually witty as Connery, a romantic like Lazenby, a ladies man with a knowing smirk like Moore, a serious agent and loyal friend who still has time for a good one liner like Dalton, a charismatic charmer who can turn serious in an instant like Brosnan, or a dark and conflicted loner shielding a bruised heart like Craig, will they combine elements of each, or will they find a new take on the character?

Who may play James Bond next?

So far, the potential choices for Bond have ranged from some of the UK’s most popular actors to well regarded actors who are lesser known.

Below is a list of everyone who has been rumoured to be in contention for the role: