François Berléand to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 73-year-old James Bond from France?

Is Berléand set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in January 2026. One of the names who keeps cropping up is François Berléand.

UPDATE 22/02/2026 : 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 François Berléand become the Seventh James Bond?

Berléand’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Tell No One (2006), Transporter 2 (2005) and The Secret Adventures of Gustave Klopp (2004). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Berléand now is – what next?

Three reasons François Berléand 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 73-year-old French?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Berléand.
  3. It would give François Berléand a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Berléand. François Berléand!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) February 21, 2026
“He was perfect as Inspector Tarconi in The Transporter, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) February 21, 2026
“A French James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) February 21, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Berléand has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) February 21, 2026

Rumors about François Berléand 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 François Berléand should be the next James Bond?

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