Gabriel Byrne to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Dublin
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 75-year-old James Bond from Ireland?
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Is Byrne set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in February 2026. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Gabriel Byrne.

UPDATE 15/03/2026 : 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 Gabriel Byrne become the Seventh James Bond?

Byrne’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Marco Polo (2014-2016), Vampire Academy (2014) and In Treatment (2008-2010). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Byrne now is – what next?

Three reasons Gabriel Byrne 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 75-year-old Irish?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Byrne.
  3. It would give Gabriel Byrne a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'Byrne 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 Gabriel Byrne for James Bond.

“His name is Byrne. Gabriel Byrne!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) March 14, 2026
“He was perfect as Pope Gregory X in Marco Polo, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) March 14, 2026
“An Irish James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) March 14, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Byrne has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) March 14, 2026

Rumors about Gabriel Byrne 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 Gabriel Byrne should be the next James Bond?

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