James Bond franchise eyes new lead actor as Amazon pursues MGM

German broadcaster RTL will air the 2006 James Bond reboot "Casino Royale" on 26 July 2026, recalling how the film reshaped the personal connection many viewers have with the iconic spy series.

After Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, the studio is reportedly evaluating candidates to become the next James Bond. Candidates mentioned include well‑known British actors such as Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland and Henry Cavill, as well as international names like Timothée Chalamet. The search appears to favour a younger, modern iteration of the character, a concept already explored in the video‑game "007: First Light" released in May 2026.