R. Madhavan to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • New Delhi
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 55-year-old James Bond from India?
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Is Madhavan 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 R. Madhavan.

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 New Delhi wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could R. Madhavan become the Seventh James Bond?

Madhavan’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in 3 Idiots (2009). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Madhavan now is – what next?

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

This 'Madhavan 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 R. Madhavan for James Bond.

“His name is Madhavan. R. Madhavan!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) February 22, 2026
“He was perfect as Farhan Qureshi in 3 Idiots, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) February 22, 2026
“An Indian 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: Madhavan has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) February 22, 2026

Rumors about R. Madhavan 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 R. Madhavan should be the next James Bond?

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