Since Daniel Craig‘s departure in No Time To Die (2021), the lingering question around the 007 franchise has been: who will be the next James Bond? There’s been near-total silence about the next film — aside from subtle behind-the-scenes signs of movement. Meanwhile, a new incarnation of the character is taking shape not on the big screen, but in video games. 007: First Light, produced by IO Interactive (the studio behind the Hitman reboot), promises more than a simple action game: it could become the symbolic, aesthetic, and even emotional foundation of the next Bond era.

The production of First Light marks a turning point. For the first time, EON Productions — which has held the film rights to the character since 1962 — allowed an external creative team to reimagine Bond from scratch. The game is not an adaptation of any book or film. Instead, it explores Bond’s youth, at age 26, before he becomes a “00.” The idea is to show an unstable, flawed agent-in-training still dealing with past traumas — something that resonates with the dramatic arc popularized by Daniel Craig, but in an even rawer, more intimate way.

The choice of actor portraying Bond in the game is telling: Patrick Gibson, known for Shadow and Bone and The OA, lends his voice, face, and body to the character. Young, intense, and not yet tied to major franchises, Gibson is a promising, flexible name — and one who could transition to the big screen if the producers are interested. While the game and the films are officially on separate tracks, there’s a clear “testing ground” vibe: if audiences embrace this younger, more human Bond, he could set the tone for the franchise’s cinematic reinvention.

This kind of cross-media integration isn’t new, but it’s never been so bold for 007. Previous games like GoldenEye 007 (1997) or Everything or Nothing (2004) always mirrored the film actors — from Pierce Brosnan to Daniel Craig. First Light, by contrast, presents a completely new Bond, allowing for more creative freedom and perhaps laying the groundwork for a much more radical reinvention on screen.

The cinematic Bond franchise is currently undergoing significant changes behind the scenes. Longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have stepped down, and the reins have passed to new producers Amy Pascal and Michael De Luca, following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM. This new leadership is facing the challenge of redefining the franchise in a streaming era. Amazon aims to expand Bond into a “living franchise” with multiple spin-offs and a stronger presence on Prime Video, while the new producers seek to balance innovation with respect for the character’s legacy.

This creative and commercial transition helps explain the long hiatus since 2021. Although EON still officially controls the rights, Amazon’s pressure over schedules and formats is real. Recent rumors suggest that the new producers are finally outlining the next film’s concept and aim to start filming in 2025 — with a release planned for late 2026 or early 2027. But there’s no director or lead actor confirmed yet.

The list of possible new Bonds continues to shift between longtime favorites and fresh contenders. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who reportedly screen-tested and impressed producers, remains the most talked-about candidate. Others include James Norton, Richard Madden, Regé-Jean Page, Josh O’Connor, Paul Mescal, and Henry Golding. With the success of Slow Horses, Jack Lowden has also entered the conversation. According to Pascal and De Luca, the goal is to cast someone who can “grow with the role,” ideally staying for at least a decade — which rules out older, already-established stars.

This reinforces the logic behind First Light: if the next version of Bond is indeed a younger agent in training, scarred by modern conflicts (as in the game’s backstory, where Bond returns from Somalia), it signals a true generational shift. Instead of a polished, invincible hero, we’ll have a vulnerable 007 still learning how to kill — while trying to maintain that signature British poise.

Even the game’s title, First Light, suggests a beginning. And the atmosphere presented in its teasers — dark settings, cinematic lighting, and a psychological thriller tone — feels closer to Casino Royale or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy than to traditional action films. The soundtrack is composed by Ilan Eshkeri (Layer Cake, Stardust), and the English voice cast features seasoned talent, with performances carefully directed by IO Interactive. Nothing feels random here.

The real question is whether First Light’s success on digital platforms (the game launches in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) will directly influence the next Bond film. While there’s been no official confirmation, the symbolic convergence is clear: a young Bond, reimagined, facing a new world — and still learning the rules he’ll later break.

If the franchise truly wants to reinvent itself without losing its core, perhaps the future of James Bond is not being forged in cinemas — but in the tense silence before the first gunshot, on a console screen. Because, to paraphrase M, sometimes you have to lose everything to discover your real name.