Mark Rylance to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
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Is Mark Rylance set to be the next James Bond?
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Is Rylance 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 Mark Rylance.

UPDATE 25/02/2026 : 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 in London wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Mark Rylance become the Seventh James Bond?

Rylance’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Bridge of Spies (2015), Wolf Hall (2015-2015) and Days and Nights (2013). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Rylance now is – what next?

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

This 'Rylance 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 Mark Rylance for James Bond.

“His name is Rylance. Mark Rylance!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) February 24, 2026
“He was perfect as Stephen in Days and Nights, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) February 24, 2026
“A 66-year-old James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) February 24, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Rylance has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) February 24, 2026

Rumors about Mark Rylance 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 Mark Rylance should be the next James Bond?

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