James Bond: it’s official, the new face will be Irish… and it’s a revolution!

It's official: the future James Bond interpreter will be Irish... but he'll have plenty to surprise!

Gwen Rouviere
by Gwen Le Cointre
1 April 2026, 16:20
James Bond: it’s official, the new face will be Irish… and it’s a revolution!
James Bond

It’s a turning of the page for Daniel Craig, whose era will have profoundly marked the 007 saga between 2006 and 2021. After years of speculation and rumors about his successor, the revelation took everyone by surprise. Where audiences had expected a new male face to emerge in the classic British spy tradition, the choice marks a historic break.

According to information relayed by Euronews, the iconic role of James Bond will now be played by Jessie Buckley. A bold decision that ushers the saga into a new era, with a woman in the suit of Agent 007 for the first time.

An actress with an impressive track record

From the independent scene to the Oscars

Jessie Buckey - Montclair Film - Flickr

Jessie Buckey – Montclair Film – Flickr

While this choice may come as a surprise, it is based on a solid trajectory. Jessie Buckley has established herself as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, first revealed in Wild Rose, then confirmed by outstanding roles in I’m Thinking of Ending Things and The Lost Daughter.  

The ultimate accolade: she recently won the Oscar for Best Actress, becoming the first Oscar-winning performer to take on the role of Bond. Her rise to fame lends credibility to a choice which, on paper, seemed risky.

A logical move for the franchise?

Towards a more modern and inclusive James Bond

This shift is not entirely unexpected. In the last film, Mourir peut attendre (2021), the 007 serial number had already been temporarily assigned to a woman, played by Lashana Lynch, gently initiating a transition in the collective imagination.  

For several years now, the saga has been seeking to reinvent itself to keep up with the times. With a renewed cast, modernized plots and evolving female characters, the choice of Jessie Buckley is part of a clear commitment to breaking with codes without denying the character’s DNA.

A decision that is already dividing fans

Between enthusiasm and nostalgia

As is often the case with James Bond, reactions are mixed. Some hail this as a bold turn, capable of breathing new life into a franchise more than 60 years old. Others, more attached to tradition, remain skeptical about this radical change.

The names of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Holland and Jacob Elordi have been bandied about in recent months, fuelling the idea of a return to a more classic male figure.

This unexpected choice completely reshuffles the deck, repositioning the saga in a much more contemporary dynamic.

What this means for the future of James Bond

A saga in full transformation

The arrival of Jessie Buckley could profoundly redefine the franchise’s narrative codes. More than just a casting change, the entire vision of the character is set to evolve: psychology, power relationships, representation of power… all elements that could be revisited.

For film fans and pop culture aficionados alike, this announcement opens a new chapter… one that’s sure to stir up controversy!


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