Sharlto Copley to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Pretoria
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 52-year-old James Bond from South Africa?

Hot news

Is Copley set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in November 2025. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Sharlto Copley.

UPDATE 17/12/2025 : 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 Pretoria wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Sharlto Copley become the Seventh James Bond?

Copley’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Maleficent (2014), Elysium (2013) and District 9 (2009). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Copley now is – what next?

Three reasons Sharlto Copley 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 52-year-old South African?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Copley.
  3. It would give Sharlto Copley a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'Copley 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 Sharlto Copley for James Bond.

“His name is Copley. Sharlto Copley!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) December 16, 2025
“He was perfect as King Stefan in Maleficent, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) December 16, 2025
“A South African James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) December 16, 2025
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Copley has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) December 16, 2025

Rumors about Sharlto Copley 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 Sharlto Copley should be the next James Bond?

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