There hasn’t actually been any confirmation that the next James Bond movie will be made, but unless anything drastic happens, we can expect it to be released sometime in the next couple of years. And when it does finally arrive, fans should expect some changes from what they’ve known before. For one thing, there will be a new 007 after Daniel Craig’s departure from the role. The current front runner is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but according to Oddschecker, who are running promotional offers that can be used for TV bets, Henry Cavill is not far behind. And the makers of James Bond always seem to have a surprise or two up their sleeves.
While details on what the next Bond movie might look like are pretty scarce at this point, there are plenty of rumors and theories floating around. We’ve rounded up all the available information and put together a guide on what fans can expect from the new movie.
A New 007
It’s always exciting when someone takes over the role of James Bond. After all, despite the first 007 movie coming out some sixty years ago, only eight actors have ever played the title character. And as you might expect, each actor brings something new to the franchise.
So the fact that there will be a new actor working for MI5 means that the new installment will automatically have a different look and feel to what’s come before.
So who’s in the running to bag one of the best jobs in cinema? Let’s take a look.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson may not be the most famous actor in the world, but the 32-year-old certainly has all the credentials needed to pull on the tuxedo and deliver an outstanding Bond performance. He’s already been in a bunch of action movies, which shows that he’s more than capable of handling Bond’s rough and ready fight scenes. Plus, he’s got the suave sophistication — and good looks — that Bond is known for.
He’s currently the bookie’s favorite to snag the role. The only reason why he might not be suitable for the role is that he’s quite young. However, Bond producers have hinted that they’re considering hiring someone younger than usual to be the next 007, so his youthfulness may actually work in his favor.
Henry Cavill
Could it finally be Henry Cavill’s time to be James Bond? Amazingly, he got close to being awarded the role back in 2002 when he was just 22. The role, of course, eventually went to Daniel Craig, but that he was so close at such a young age bodes well for Cavill.
Certainly, this man looks like he was born to play the role. Indeed, draw a picture of what the classic Bond actor would look like, and you’d come up with something that closely resembles the Jersey actor.
Why wouldn’t Cavill get the role? Well, there are two reasons. One is that he’s already closely linked to two other franchises, Superman and The Witcher. Plus, though he was too young to play Bond back in 2002, he may actually be too old to play him in 2023 — that is, if the producers are looking for a more youthful 007. If that’s not a factor then you have to imagine that it’s between Cavill and Taylor-Johnson, though.
Richard Madden
Richard Madden is an outsider to be the next Bond, but the English actor has certainly been comfortable telling the world that he might be the next 007. The Game of Thrones star posted a video to social media of himself drinking a martini, which led many viewers to suspect that he was dropping a not-so-subtle hint. Alternatively, it’s always possible that Madden was suggesting to producers that he’s got the art of drinking Bond’s favorite drink down to a T.
Bond Progression
For decades, it felt like all Bond movies followed the same formula. Then Daniel Craig came along and ushered 007 into a new era. There’s every sign that the next incarnation of Bond will be even more progressive and modern. How this will look in practice remains to be seen, but fans should expect that things will feel slightly different this time around.
It’ll Be In the Cinema
You’ll see Bond movies on the television listings every single week. But the new movies always belong on the big screen.
There were some fears that, since Amazon acquired MGM, the production house behind James Bond, the next installment may be available to stream immediately upon release. But the good news for fans who love the full cinema experience is that all the signs suggest that Bond 26 will have a theatrical release.
Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has said, “We’re focused on making the films for theatrical release, and Amazon certainly have told us that the films will be theatrical films in the future.”
So if you thought you might have to settle for seeing the new Bond at home on your couch, then think again. For the foreseeable future, Bond movies will premier on the big screen.
Bond Fans Need to Be Patient
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the next James Bond movie, in large part because we’ll see a new actor in the title role. However, it’s best that fans don’t get too excited just yet. There’s still a long way to go before the new film will be released.
While the movie is in development, it’s still in its early stages. The producers can’t begin filming until there’s an announcement about who the new actor will be. The absolute earliest that the movie could be released would be Christmas 2024, but even that’s unlikely. It’s more probable that it’ll be hitting the big screen in 2025 — or perhaps even 2026.
But once the franchise has been re-launched, you can expect movies to roll out every three years. Bond may have been in our lives for sixty years, but he’s clearly not going anywhere, so have a little patience and you’ll surely be rewarded in the coming years.