Penn Badgley to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 39-year-old James Bond from United States?
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Is Badgley 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 Penn Badgley.

UPDATE 13/01/2026 : 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 Los Angeles wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Penn Badgley become the Seventh James Bond?

Badgley’s star has been rising in Hollywood in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Gossip Girl (2007-2012), Easy A (2010) and John Tucker Must Die (2006). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Badgley now is – what next?

Three reasons Penn Badgley 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 39-year-old American?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Badgley.
  3. It would give Penn Badgley a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Badgley. Penn Badgley!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 12, 2026
“He was perfect as Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 12, 2026
“An American James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 12, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Badgley has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 12, 2026

Rumors about Penn Badgley 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 Penn Badgley should be the next James Bond?

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