Bond Is Back (Maybe) + If He Were SA
The Scoop on the New James Bond
After Daniel Craig’s exit following No Time to Die (2021), the Bond universe has been abuzz with who’s next and when it’s coming. Recent announcements include:
- Patrick Gibson (star of Dexter: Original Sin) has been confirmed as the voice of James Bond in the upcoming video game 007 First Light, releasing 27 March 2026. In the game, 007 is portrayed as a 26-year-old MI6 agent just starting out — so it’s an origin story, games style.
- MovieWeb reports a tentative release timeframe for the next film is being eyed for 2028, although casting for the cinematic Bond is still unconfirmed. (MovieWeb)
So, games first — then maybe the big screen. The Bond legacy is in slow motion... but unfolding.
What’s Wild About Casting Bond
Bond isn’t just any role. To many actors, it’s “every actor’s kind of nightmare” because of the pressure: legacy, fan expectations, style, nuance. Henry Golding recently said exactly that — being Bond is thrilling and terrifying.
There are rumours swirling of names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, James Norton, etc., being considered. But nothing’s locked down yet.
If Bond Were SA: Hypotheticals We Love
Now let’s imagine for a second that James Bond was a South African role. How would we even begin to choose? Here are a few fun names we throw into the ring (just hypothetically) :
- Drikus Du Plessis — Mamba’s got the presence. If Bond did mma-style spy action in the veld, he’d bring the muscles and discipline.
- Kwesta — Remember his track “Spirit” and how he personifies swagger, style, and lyricism? He could bring a different kind of cool to Bond: charming, musical, grounded.
- Past chatter has mentioned other South African actors with gravitas, elegance, or martial arts / action chops—people who could carry tuxedos and action scenes.
Would we keep Bond as the suave, gadget-wielding spy? Probably. But perhaps we’d see him jiving to Amapiano, driving through the Karoo, chasing bad guys on Table Mountain — you know, uniquely SA.
What This Means for KingClip Talent & Industry
- There are moments when global franchises reset — Bond is one. When roles like this become available, they send ripples. Exposure, audition opportunities, more spotlight on local talent.
- Voice acting (like the game) is becoming a pathway to big roles. If you’re good with voice, character, presence — that could be your foot in the door.
- Knowing your style, presence, and range matters. Bond isn’t just physicality or accent; it’s attitude, layering, nuance. So sharpening all those skills counts.
Final Word
Bond is entering a new chapter — maybe in games first, maybe film later. Whoever steps into the role has big shoes. And us? We’re watching, imagining, and maybe quietly preparing.
South Africans—and KingClip artists especially—should keep their portfolios slick, their presence authentic, and their charisma ready. Because who knows? The next 007 might just come from the Mother City (or Jozi... or somewhere wild in between).
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