Ian McShane to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • London
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Is Ian McShane set to be the next James Bond?
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Is McShane 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 Ian McShane.

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 in London wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Ian McShane become the Seventh James Bond?

McShane’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Hercules (2014), Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for McShane now is – what next?

Three reasons Ian McShane 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 Ian McShane?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as McShane.
  3. It would give Ian McShane a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'McShane 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 Ian McShane for James Bond.

“His name is McShane. Ian McShane!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 14, 2026
“He was perfect as Philip Rule in War and Remembrance, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 14, 2026
“A 83-year-old 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: McShane has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 14, 2026

Rumors about Ian McShane 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 Ian McShane should be the next James Bond?

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