James Bond 26 tipped to take major production step later this year – as rumours of new frontrunner mount

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After a long wait for the next James Bond movie, it looks like we’re finally getting some news about when Denis Villeneuve’s film will start being made.

According to The Sun, filming for the new movie is expected to begin at the end of 2026. This aligns with earlier reports stating production wouldn’t start until after director Denis Villeneuve finishes ‘Dune: Part Three,’ which is set to be released in December of this year.

The report indicates that preparations are underway, including crew assembly and finalizing all production details. Jacob Elordi is currently the leading candidate to play the famous spy.

I’m really excited about the possibility of Jacob Elordi taking on this role! He’s about to turn 29 when they plan to start filming, and I just saw him in Wuthering Heights alongside Margot Robbie – he was fantastic, honestly. He’s really proving himself as a versatile actor.

TopMob has reached out for Amazon MGM Studios for comment.

It’s not the first time Jacob Elordi has been considered for this role. Earlier reports mentioned him, along with Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland, as possibilities. More recently, Callum Turner has been the frontrunner according to rumors.

So far, there’s no official news about who will star in the movie. What we do know is that Denis Villeneuve is directing, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing, and Steven Knight writing the screenplay.

Screenwriter Neal Purvis recently shared with TopMob Writers’ Room that he’s really enjoying working on the Bond screenplay. He explained that Bond has become a legendary figure, almost a part of modern mythology.

This story feels like classic tales such as Robin Hood or King Arthur, but rooted in our country’s culture and with universal appeal. Because of that, it deserves to be handled with care and respect.

Watch a clip from our interview with Steven Knight below:

Reports indicate that Villeneuve is signed on to direct just one James Bond movie, and he won’t have the final say in editing it.

Look, I’ve always gotten the sense this director really loves James Bond. He’s actually said himself he’s a huge fan, and that Bond is basically untouchable to him – a real icon he holds in high regard. It’s clear he feels a lot of pressure to get it right.

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James Bond 26 will be released in cinemas.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

I’m a huge TV and movie fan, and I get to write about it professionally! I work as a Drama Writer for TopMob, covering shows on everything from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to traditional TV. Before this, I was in public relations – first at an agency working with businesses, and then at Fremantle, a big international TV production company. I have a background in both creative writing and journalism, with a BA in English and Theatre Studies and a journalism diploma, so I feel pretty well equipped to cover the world of drama!

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2026-02-25 16:07