Jet Li to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Beijing
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 63-year-old James Bond from China?
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Is Li set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in June 2026. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Jet Li.

UPDATE 18/07/2026 : 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 Beijing wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Jet Li become the Seventh James Bond?

Li’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in The Expendables 3 (2014), The Expendables 2 (2012) and The Expendables (2010). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Li now is – what next?

Three reasons Jet Li 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 63-year-old Chinese?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Li.
  3. It would give Jet Li a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Li. Jet Li!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) July 17, 2026
“He was perfect as Sun Wukong in The Forbidden Kingdom, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) July 17, 2026
“A Chinese James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) July 17, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Li has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) July 17, 2026

Rumors about Jet Li 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 Jet Li should be the next James Bond?

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