Jean Benguigui to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 81-year-old James Bond from France?

Is Benguigui 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 Jean Benguigui.

UPDATE 23/02/2026 : 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 Jean Benguigui become the Seventh James Bond?

Benguigui’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Fatal (2010), Lucky Luke and the Daltons (2004) and Ball and Chain (2002). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Benguigui now is – what next?

Three reasons Jean Benguigui 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 81-year-old French?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Benguigui.
  3. It would give Jean Benguigui a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Benguigui. Jean Benguigui!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) February 22, 2026
“He was perfect as Sarkis in The Jackpot, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) February 22, 2026
“A French James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) February 22, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Benguigui has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) February 22, 2026

Rumors about Jean Benguigui 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 Jean Benguigui should be the next James Bond?

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