Valerio Mastandrea to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Rome
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 53-year-old James Bond from Italy?

Is Mastandrea 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 Valerio Mastandrea.

UPDATE 16/01/2026 : 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 Rome wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Valerio Mastandrea become the Seventh James Bond?

Mastandrea’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in The First Beautiful Thing (2010) and Her Whole Life Ahead (2008). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Mastandrea now is – what next?

Three reasons Valerio Mastandrea 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 53-year-old Italian?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Mastandrea.
  3. It would give Valerio Mastandrea a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

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

“His name is Mastandrea. Valerio Mastandrea!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 15, 2026
“He was perfect as Giorgio Conforti in Her Whole Life Ahead, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 15, 2026
“An Italian James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 15, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Mastandrea has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 15, 2026

Rumors about Valerio Mastandrea 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 Valerio Mastandrea should be the next James Bond?

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