Denis Podalydès to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 62-year-old James Bond from France?

Is Podalydès set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in December 2025. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Denis Podalydès.

UPDATE 28/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Every man, at some point in his life, wishes he could be James Bond. And with the news that Daniel Craig may well be out as 007, there are a whole bunch of actors from London to Paris wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Denis Podalydès become the Seventh James Bond?

Podalydès’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in The Big Bad Wolf (2013), Granny's Funeral (2012) and Omar m'a tuer (2011). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Podalydès now is – what next?

Three reasons Denis Podalydès would be good for the James Bond franchise

  1. It would clarify that Bond is a rotating identity: If M can be a woman, why can't James Bond be a 62-year-old French?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Podalydès.
  3. It would give Denis Podalydès a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'Podalydès To Play James Bond' Rumor had the internet in a frenzy

Twitter was flooded again Tuesday with loads of tweets related to the rumor. Some fans even launched an online Facebook page called We Want Denis Podalydès for James Bond.

“His name is Podalydès. Denis Podalydès!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 27, 2026
“He was perfect as Aimé Lafaille in Grey Souls, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 27, 2026
“A French James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 27, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Podalydès has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 27, 2026

Rumors about Denis Podalydès stepping into the role's next iteration have been floating about for a while now. He is characterized by being smooth, slick, handsome, rugged and charming. These are definitely the characteristics needed to play James Bond. Don’t you agree?

Do you think Denis Podalydès should be the next James Bond?

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