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James Bond producer teases her vision for the next 007

James Bond rides a motorcycle in Skyfall.
MGM/UA

The next actor to play James Bond is arguably the biggest mystery in Hollywood. It’s been over three years since Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 in No Time to Die, and there haven’t been any significant known developments in the casting of the next Bond.

Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are the gatekeepers of the James Bond franchise. They will decide the next actor to play the secret agent with a license to kill. While the name of the actor remains unknown, Broccoli did tease the specifications she’s looking for in the next 007.

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In an interview with the Associated Press, Broccoli stated that the next Bond will be a man, likely in his 30s. “Whiteness is not a given,” meaning Bond could be of any race. Additionally, the actor cast as Bond will remain in the role through at least a “decade’s worth of films.”

Broccoli’s qualifications eliminate several actors previously rumored to be in contention for the role, including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, Henry Cavill, and Cillian Murphy.

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Aaron Taylor-Johnson is one of the most popular names floating around to play Bond, with The Telegraph reporting the Tenet star has been offered the role. While Broccoli didn’t address the Taylor-Johnson rumor, she did say casting another Bond opens the door to a new opportunity in the franchise.

“Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction,” Wilson said. “Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.”

The seven actors who have played James Bond are Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Craig. The next Bond film will be the 26th and will be developed through Eon Productions.

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Daniel Craig in Skyfall

James Bond now belongs to Amazon.
On February 20, Amazon MGM Studios acquired creative control of Bond from longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the espionage franchise and form a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights.
With control over the franchise, expect Amazon to begin searching for the next actor to play Bond. Amazon also must find the right filmmaker to helm Bond 26. Sometimes, the most obvious choice is the right choice, and that's Christopher Nolan.
According to The Wrap, Nolan remains the "top choice and the perfect filmmaker" to tackle the next Bond movie. Nolan has been rumored to the Bond franchise for over a decade. Nolan reportedly wanted to direct a Bond movie after 2020's Tenet. However, Broccoli would not allow Nolan to have final cut, so he pivoted to making Oppenheimer, an invigorating drama that won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

“If Amazon wants to preserve the legacy, they should do everything possible to get Chris Nolan and wait for him as long as needed,” a movie producer told TheWrap.
If Amazon wants Nolan, they will have to wait until the British filmmaker finishes The Odyssey for Universal, which is currently filming and set for a theatrical release on July 17, 2026. Because Amazon must hit a home run with their first Bond movie, Amazon waiting for Nolan to finish The Odyssey before tackling Bond 26 is a safe assumption.
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James Gunn denies those Daniel Radcliffe as Clayface rumors: ‘100% false’
Daniel Radcliffe smirks while Clayface smiles.

James Gunn loves to interact with curious fans on social media. His latest interaction might disappoint fans of Harry Potter.

Earlier this week, Jeff Sneider of The InSneider reported that Radcliffe is one of DC Studios' rumored choices to star in Clayface. Gunn saw the rumor and took to Threads to deny Radcliffe's involvement.

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DC Studios James Gunn and Peter Safran share updates on Sgt. Rock, The Batman 2, Clayface, and more
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It's time for another State of the Union from DC Studios.
DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran provided updates on the company's upcoming projects with a group of journalists on February 21. The address comes two years after Gunn and Safran relaunched the DC Universe and announced plans for Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

Starting in the film division, Safran stated DC's intention to release two live-action movies and one animated film per year. Last week, Daniel Craig departed Sgt. Rock, the upcoming superhero movie from director Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. Per Variety, Safran said DC "never met with Daniel," while Gunn noted that the duo "never announced the project."
Safran said Matt Reeves has not completed the full script for The Batman Part II, which moved release dates from October 2026 to October 2027. Speaking of the Batman Epic Crime Saga, the DC executives are unsure if The Penguin will return for season 2. Batman: The Brave and the Bold remains in active development, though Robert Pattinson will likely play that version of the Caped Crusader.
Safran confirmed that Clayface will be directed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan. Casting has begun. Alan Tudyk, who voices the character in Harley Quinn and Creature Commandos, will not star in the live-action horror. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is halfway through production, while Ana Nogueira continues to work on a Teen Titans script. Swamp Thing is still in development with James Mangold, and The Authority remains far off.
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DC's television slate is highlighted by Peacemaker season 2 premiering in August. The Viola Davis-led series Waller is still in development after a "bumpy road" during production. Shows that are happening include Lanterns, which arrives in 2026, and a Blue Beetle animated series, which follows the events of the live-action movie. Paradise Lost and Booster Gold remain in development, though the latter moved on from its initial showrunner.
Finally, animation remains a priority for Gunn and Safran. Dynamic Duo, a movie about Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, remains in pre-production. Three “younger-skewing” animated series have been greenlit, including My Adventures with Green Lantern, DC Super Powers, and Starfire.
DC Studios' focus will soon shift to promoting and marketing Superman, opening in theaters on July 11, 2025.

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