Takeshi Kaneshiro to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Tokyo
  • Last updated on

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

Is Kaneshiro 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 Takeshi Kaneshiro.

UPDATE 01/02/2026 : 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 Tokyo wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Takeshi Kaneshiro become the Seventh James Bond?

Kaneshiro’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Red Cliff (2008-2009), The Warlords (2007) and House of Flying Daggers (2004). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Kaneshiro now is – what next?

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

This 'Kaneshiro 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 Takeshi Kaneshiro for James Bond.

“His name is Kaneshiro. Takeshi Kaneshiro!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 31, 2026
“He was perfect as Jiang Wuyang in The Warlords, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 31, 2026
“A Japanese James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 31, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Kaneshiro has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 31, 2026

Rumors about Takeshi Kaneshiro 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 Takeshi Kaneshiro should be the next James Bond?

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