FIRST LIGHT Star Says Amazon “Would Be Mad” Not to Cast Patrick Gibson as James Bond — GeekTyrant
The search for the next 007 is still wide open, and as Amazon continues shaping its live-action reboot, one of the stars of the upcoming game 007: First Light is making a strong case for his co-star to step into the tux on the big screen.
Actor Lennie James is throwing his support behind Patrick Gibson, the actor playing a young Bond in the game, and he isn’t being subtle about it.
“He’s fantastic in our version of Bond, and I genuinely think he should be a candidate for the main role that they’re trying to find someone for,” James said. “I’m sure he’s under consideration. The people in control would be mad not to consider him.”
That’s a pretty strong endorsement, especially as speculation around the next Bond continues to swirl.
The upcoming game 007: First Light hasn’t even dropped yet, but it’s already adding something new to the legacy. Instead of another seasoned spy adventure, this story rewinds the clock and digs into Bond’s origins.
Drawing inspiration from Ian Fleming’s original novels, the game follows Bond as an orphan finding his path, eventually joining the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve before being recruited into the Secret Service. It all builds toward the mission that earns him that iconic license to kill. The game is set to launch on May 27, 2026.
Gibson stepping into Bond’s shoes at this stage of the character’s life seems like it’s aligned with what Amazon is reportedly looking for. The studio wants a younger 007, someone under 30. We’ve already seen names like Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson being floated as frontrunners.
Still, James sees a real shot for Gibson, even if he technically sits just outside that age range. “I think it’s entirely possible and that would be my hope.”
Gibson is an Irish actor who has built a solid resume over the years with roles in The Tudors, The OA, and Shadow and Bone. More recently, he took on the role of a young Dexter Morgan in Dexter: Original Sin, showing he can handle complex, morally layered characters.
Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on Dune, is set to direct the next Bond film, which will mark the 26th entry in the franchise. With him at the helm, you can bet he will deliver a fresh and cinematic direction for 007.
Whether Gibson makes the leap from digital Bond to cinematic Bond is still up in the air, and it’s a long shot. But, it will be interesting to see who does end up being cast in the role.
