Daniel Padilla to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Manila
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 30-year-old James Bond from Philippines?

Is Padilla 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 Daniel Padilla.

UPDATE 15/01/2026 : 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 Manila wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Daniel Padilla become the Seventh James Bond?

Padilla’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Got to Believe (2013-2014) and Princess and I (2012-2013). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Padilla now is – what next?

Three reasons Daniel Padilla 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 30-year-old Filipino?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Padilla.
  3. It would give Daniel Padilla a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Padilla. Daniel Padilla!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 14, 2026
“He was perfect as Wacky in Got to Believe, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 14, 2026
“A Filipino James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 14, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Padilla has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 14, 2026

Rumors about Daniel Padilla 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 Daniel Padilla should be the next James Bond?

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