“Bond with a Peaky Blinders twist”: Everything we know about 007’s next adventure in the "bolder" new film

Grab a martini (shaken, not stirred) as we've got some exciting James Bond news. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is officially writing the next 007 adventure film – and he looks set to inject the iconic series with a Peaky Blinders twist! Yes, the same genius mind behind the escapades of Tommy Shelby is set to bring his trademark piercing storytelling to the spy franchise – and we've got all the details.

As well as his hit BAFTA-winning series, Knight is also known for his work on Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales, and was nominated for an Oscar for 2004’s Dirty Pretty Things. For the 26th Bond film (yes, 26th!), he’s joining forces with Denis Villeneuve, the powerhouse behind Dune, who will direct it. And the question on everyone’s lips: who will play the titular spy? Following Daniel Craig’s farewell in 2021’s No Time To Die, the rumour mill has been spinning out of control, with tabled suggestions including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James and Henry Cavill, among others.

But with Knight now on writing duties, could Cillian Murphy be the next Bond? In 2024, Pierce Brosnan – who played Bond from 1995 to 2002 – told the BBC that the fellow Irishman “would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty’s Secret Service.” It looks like we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about the new Bond film, including the plot, potential cast, and when it’s likely to hit the big screen.

Who will play the next James Bond?

Casting for the coveted role is still yet to be announced, with rumours about who will carry the baton of the Ian Fleming-created character in overdrive. Some former favourites for the charismatic role have seemingly ruled themselves out, including Idris Elba, who stated he feels too “ancient” for the part, and Taron Egerton, who said he was too “messy” to play Bond. Although there’s no immediately obvious choice, names that have been mentioned for the suave spy role include:

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson
• Theo James
• Henry Cavill
• Jack Lowden
• Tom Holland
• Aaron Pierre
• Michael Fassbender
• Tom Hardy
• Jacob Elordi
• Harris Dickinson
• Callum Turner
• Regé-Jean Page
• Cillian Murphy
• James Norton
• Josh O’Connor
• Paul Mescal
• Jonathan Bailey
• Eddie Redmayne
• Damson Idris
• Sope Dirisu
• Richard Madden
• Timothee Chalamet
• Leo Woodall
• Henry Golding
• Ncuti Gatwa

Will the new Bond film be any good?

Details are scant so far, so we can’t dish out a verdict just yet. But with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and director Denis Villeneuve on board, the creative team is so far, so good. It's great to see, given's there been bit of change for the franchise. After long-serving Bond masterminds Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stood down in February, Amazon MGM Studios took charge of the development.

Speaking to BBC Radio about joining Team Bond, Knight said: “[Bond] has always been on my bucket list and it's fantastic to be invited to do it – I can't wait to get started.” He added that “being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that's the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.” While Villeneuve – known for his grand, stylish visuals – said in a statement that he is a “die-hard” Bond fan, having grown up watching the films with his father. “To me, he’s sacred territory,” he added.

When will the new Bond film come out?

Unfortunately, it's likely to be a while before the new Bond film arrives on our screns. Variety reported that the studio was eyeing up a 2028 release, as anything sooner would be unachievable due to the film’s giant scale. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait.

What other spy thrillers can I watch now?

Of course, you can make your way through all 25 Bond films that have been released to date, from debut movie Dr. No in 1962 to No Time To Die in 2021. We love a thriller with a dose of espionage, and there are plenty of great TV options to keep your heart racing, too - from the darkly comedic Slow Horses (a seventh series has just been confirmed!) to new spy series The Assassin, which stars Keeley Hawes.

If that’s not enough, you should check out Netflix's Bone Palace, which revolves around a refuge for those who must, under no circumstances, be found. And there’s plenty more spy material to come, too. Prime Video's Citadel, starring Lesley Manville, is returning, with the second series set to premiere in 2026.