Michael Shanks to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Ottawa
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 55-year-old James Bond from Canada?

Is Shanks 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 Michael Shanks.

UPDATE 11/01/2026 : 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 Ottawa wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Michael Shanks become the Seventh James Bond?

Shanks’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Red Riding Hood (2011), Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007) and Door to Door (2002). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Shanks now is – what next?

Three reasons Michael Shanks 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 55-year-old Canadian?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Shanks.
  3. It would give Michael Shanks a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Shanks. Michael Shanks!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 10, 2026
“He was perfect as Dr. Charlie Harris in Saving Hope, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 10, 2026
“A Canadian James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 10, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Shanks has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 10, 2026

Rumors about Michael Shanks 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 Michael Shanks should be the next James Bond?

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