Standfirst: Former Bond director Danny Boyle has backed Jack O’Connell to become the next 007, while official casting for Bond 26 remains undecided. Producers are expected to announce Daniel Craig’s successor by the end of 2026, with production planned for 2027.
Danny Boyle has named Jack O’Connell as his preferred choice to play James Bond, adding fresh attention to the ongoing speculation surrounding the next actor to take over the iconic role.
Boyle, who was once attached to direct Daniel Craig’s final Bond film before leaving the project, praised O’Connell’s acting and said the British performer should be selected as the seventh 007. The filmmaker made the comments at the Zurich Film Festival, according to Variety.
Danny Boyle backs Jack O’Connell for Bond
“They should cast Jack O’Connell as Bond,” Boyle said at the festival.
The director highlighted O’Connell’s performance as Blake Fielder-Civil in the 2024 Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black. Boyle described the role as difficult and praised the actor’s work in the film.
O’Connell has also appeared in Boyle’s forthcoming film Ink, in which he plays British tabloid editor Larry Lamb. The actor is additionally known for his breakthrough role in the television series Skins and for appearances in films including Sinners and Boyle’s 28 Years Later.
Who is in contention to become the next 007?
Jack O’Connell has been mentioned among possible candidates during the Bond casting process, but the role has not yet been officially assigned.
Other actors linked with the succession race include Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Jack Barton. Reports and public comments have generated considerable speculation, but the producers have not confirmed a shortlist or selected actor.
Gary Oldman, who works with Lowden on Slow Horses, has also publicly expressed support for his co-star. However, neither Oldman’s comments nor Boyle’s endorsement represents an official casting announcement.
When will the next James Bond be announced?
Bond 26 producer Amy Pascal has suggested that the new actor could be revealed towards the end of 2026. She said the production team is taking a careful approach because Daniel Craig’s tenure set a high standard for the franchise.
Pascal has indicated that the next Bond should feel distinctive and exciting rather than simply repeat the approach of previous films. That suggests the casting decision will be closely tied to the creative direction of the new era.
- Current status: The next James Bond has not been officially announced.
- Publicly supported candidate: Jack O’Connell has received Danny Boyle’s endorsement.
- Expected announcement: A reveal is anticipated by the end of 2026, although no fixed date has been confirmed.
- Production: Bond 26 is expected to begin filming in 2027.
- Release: The film is currently planned for 2028.
Boyle reflects on leaving Daniel Craig’s final Bond film
Boyle was originally due to direct No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final appearance as Bond. He later left the production following reported creative differences and was replaced by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival, Boyle said he and screenwriter John Hodge had developed a story for the film but that the studio subsequently lost confidence in their version. He described the departure as disappointing and said he believed the project could have worked well.
Although Boyle did not direct Craig’s final outing, his comments give added weight to his support for O’Connell. The actor has worked with Boyle on multiple projects, including 28 Years Later and Ink.
Denis Villeneuve to direct Bond 26
Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct Bond 26. Boyle praised Villeneuve’s filmmaking while discussing the upcoming continuation of the franchise.
Villeneuve is known for directing films including Dune and Dune: Part Two. His appointment points towards a major creative reset for the series, which is moving into its first era without Craig in the lead role.
The director’s involvement, combined with the search for a new 007, means the next Bond film will mark a significant transition for the long-running British spy franchise.
What happens next for Bond 26?
The immediate next step is the official casting announcement. Until the producers confirm their decision, the names circulating in reports and public endorsements should be treated as speculation rather than confirmed news.
Once the lead actor is announced, further details about the screenplay, supporting cast, filming schedule and story are likely to follow. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with the film targeting a 2028 cinema release.
For now, Danny Boyle’s choice has placed Jack O’Connell back in the conversation, but the final decision remains with the Bond producers.
Conclusion
Danny Boyle’s support makes Jack O’Connell one of the most discussed names in the race to become the next James Bond, but it does not confirm the casting. The official announcement is expected by the end of 2026, ahead of production on Bond 26 in 2027.
