Chris O'Dowd to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Dublin
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 46-year-old James Bond from Ireland?
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Is O'Dowd set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in July 2026. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Chris O'Dowd.

UPDATE 24/08/2026 : 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 Dublin wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Chris O'Dowd become the Seventh James Bond?

O'Dowd’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016), The IT Crowd (2006-2013) and This Is 40 (2012). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for O'Dowd now is – what next?

Three reasons Chris O'Dowd 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 46-year-old Irish?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as O'Dowd.
  3. It would give Chris O'Dowd a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

Twitter was flooded again Sunday with loads of tweets related to the rumor. Some fans even launched an online Facebook page called We Want Chris O'Dowd for James Bond.

“His name is O'Dowd. Chris O'Dowd!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) August 23, 2026
“He was perfect as Ronnie in This Is 40, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) August 23, 2026
“An Irish James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) August 23, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: O'Dowd has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) August 23, 2026

Rumors about Chris O'Dowd 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 Chris O'Dowd should be the next James Bond?

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