Jamel Debbouze to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 50-year-old James Bond from France?

Is Debbouze 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 Jamel Debbouze.

UPDATE 14/01/2026 : 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 Paris wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Jamel Debbouze become the Seventh James Bond?

Debbouze’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in On the Trail of the Marsupilami (2012), Hollywoo (2011) and Outside the Law (2010). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Debbouze now is – what next?

Three reasons Jamel Debbouze 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 50-year-old French?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Debbouze.
  3. It would give Jamel Debbouze a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Debbouze. Jamel Debbouze!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 13, 2026
“He was perfect as Saïd in Outside the Law, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 13, 2026
“A French James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 13, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Debbouze has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 13, 2026

Rumors about Jamel Debbouze 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 Jamel Debbouze should be the next James Bond?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Jamel Debbouze: Recent News

 

page served in 0.049s (1,3)