James Bond is shaken, stirred… and officially in the hands of Denis Villeneuve. The Dune director is Amazon’s bold choice to helm Bond 26, marking a new chapter for the legendary franchise and possibly, a new kind of Bond altogether.
The Search for the Next 007
With a tentative 2028 release date, Amazon and the producers have time but not all the time in the world. Their current wishlist for the next Bond leans young, sharp, and globally bankable.
Top Contenders:
- Jacob Elordi (Saltburn) Tall, brooding, breakout star
- Tom Holland (Spider-Man) Charismatic, physically agile, already part of the Amazon family
- Harris Dickinson (Babygirl, Triangle of Sadness) A rising actor with emotional depth
While Elordi is Australian, it’s not a deal breaker remember, George Lazenby did it first.
Older fan-favorites like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Idris Elba are reportedly out due to age. The studio is clearly aiming to reinvent the character for a new era.
The Battle for the Director’s Chair
Villeneuve reportedly beat out some major European talent:
- Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front)
- Edgar Wright (Baby Driver)
- Paul King (Paddington)
- Jonathan Nolan (Fallout)

While Christopher Nolan was an early favorite, he wanted final cut privileges a longtime no-go in Bondland. The Broccoli family’s recent decision to relinquish creative control made Nolan a serious contender, but he’s now busy with The Odyssey (also starring Tom Holland).
Writing the Next Mission
Amazon has yet to lock in a writer, but Jonathan Nolan’s pitch reportedly impressed execs — though his packed schedule may keep him from joining officially. Villeneuve, meanwhile, is focused on Dune: Messiah (slated for late 2026), so expect Bond 26 pre-production to begin no earlier than 2027.
Final Thought
With Amazon officially taking over the Bond franchise and Villeneuve attached for a one-film deal, everything about Bond 26 feels like a hard reboot younger Bond, new style, and a franchise ready for reinvention.
Whether it’s Elordi’s edge, Holland’s charm, or a surprise pick, one thing’s certain:
🕵️♂️ Bond will return. And it’s going to be different.
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