Steven Knight has shared a major update about the next James Bond movie. The Peaky Blinders creator says the first draft of the script is complete, and he has hinted that the new 007 actor has already been chosen. Here is everything you need to know about James Bond 26, including the script status, casting rumors, and what director Denis Villeneuve brings to the table.
Steven Knight Says the First Draft Is Ready
The script for the next James Bond film has reached a key milestone. Steven Knight, the writer behind Peaky Blinders and House of Guinness, confirmed that the first draft is finished.
Knight appeared on Zoe Ball’s show on Greatest Hits Radio in the UK. When asked directly if the script draft was complete, Knight gave a simple but telling answer.
“I’m nodding silently.”
The writer also shared how much this project means to him. He called writing Bond “more than a bucket list” and said he is “absolutely loving doing it.”
“It’s an honor to be asked. And believe it’s going to be so good. I really do believe it’s going to be amazing.”
Writing with the New Bond Actor in Mind
Knight has also suggested that the next James Bond actor has already been selected. During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on September 8, he was asked if he wrote the script with the chosen actor in mind or based on what he already knew about the character.
“It’s a bit of both. It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.”
When pressed further about when he learned who would succeed Daniel Craig, Knight avoided giving a direct answer.
“I’ll refer you to my previous answer.”
Knight also spoke about the weight of working on such a legendary British franchise.
“The only thing I can say is it feels like I’m doing my duty for king and country – if you’re a British writer, you have to do it.”
He added that Bond is special because it exists in its own world, separate from other big franchises.
“The thing with Bond is it’s its own universe and its own franchise. Obviously, you have to move it along, but I love where it sits. I love that it’s British and it’s not DC or Marvel.”
Jack Lowden Leads the Casting Race
The biggest question surrounding James Bond 26 is who will play 007. Several names have been linked to the role, but Jack Lowden has emerged as the frontrunner.
Lowden is known for his role in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses. His co-star Gary Oldman recently made headlines by appearing to confirm that Lowden had been cast.
“It’s been rumored that [Lowden is] on the shortlist. We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him.”
Oldman added that the choice has been made but not yet announced.
“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack.”
Other actors reportedly in contention include Jacob Elordi (Wuthering Heights), Callum Turner (One Night Only), Harris Dickinson (Babygirl), and Jack Barton (Heartstopper).
Amazon MGM Studios confirmed in May that auditions were underway. Casting director Nina Gold, known for her work on Game of Thrones and The Crown, is leading the search. The studio is reportedly looking for an actor in his 30s.
Denis Villeneuve Takes the Director’s Chair
Denis Villeneuve is directing the next James Bond film. The Canadian filmmaker is known for Dune, Dune: Part Two, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049.
Villeneuve will also be part of the team making casting decisions, along with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman.
This will be the first Bond film made under Amazon MGM Studios after longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson handed over creative control. Knight said he is trying to shut out the intense public interest and focus on honoring the franchise.
“So I feel a responsibility to the text. In other words, a responsibility to the concept of it.”
What We Know About the Release Timeline
No official release date has been announced for James Bond 26. Villeneuve is scheduled to shoot the third Dune film this summer. If production on Bond begins next year, a release sometime in 2027 would be likely.
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Producer Amy Pascal has said the next Bond actor will be revealed before the end of 2026. Fans around the world are waiting for that announcement, which is expected to come from Amazon MGM Studios directly.
The last Bond film was No Time to Die in 2021, which marked Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as 007. Craig played the role in Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021).
Also Read: James Bond Writer Won’t Say If Gary Oldman Is Right About New 007 Casting
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