William Mapother to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 60-year-old James Bond from United States?

Is Mapother 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 William Mapother.

UPDATE 22/02/2026 : 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 Los Angeles wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could William Mapother become the Seventh James Bond?

Mapother’s star has been rising in Hollywood in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Blackhat (2015), Warrior (2011) and Another Earth (2011). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Mapother now is – what next?

Three reasons William Mapother 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 60-year-old American?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Mapother.
  3. It would give William Mapother a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'Mapother 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 William Mapother for James Bond.

“His name is Mapother. William Mapother!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) February 21, 2026
“He was perfect in Almost Famous, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) February 21, 2026
“An American James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) February 21, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Mapother has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) February 21, 2026

Rumors about William Mapother 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 William Mapother should be the next James Bond?

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