Is Jessie Buckley the Next James Bond? The Rumor Sparks Debate
A rumor about Jessie Buckley becoming James Bond has fans talking, but not everything is as it seems.
Published April 1 2026, 12:10 p.m. ET

Casting rumors around James Bond have a way of taking off quickly. It is one of those roles that always seems to be up for debate, especially after Daniel Craig’s run came to an end.
That is exactly what happened with the next James Bond movie and Jessie Buckley. Her name started circulating as the next Bond, and not just as another contender, but as a potential first female version of the character. It is the kind of idea that immediately gets people talking.
Here's what we know about the Jessie Buckley James Bond rumor.

All six James Bonds in wax at Madame Tussauds
Is Jessie Buckley really being considered as the next James Bond?
The rumor that Jessie would take over as James Bond gained traction quickly, with some reports presenting it as a bold shift for the franchise.
The idea of a female Bond is not new, but attaching a specific name to it made the conversation feel more real. Jessie, known for her range and strong performances, is the kind of actor who could spark serious discussion about what the role could look like going forward.
On April 1, 2026, Euronews, published an article with the claim that Jessie had been revealed as the next James Bond.
"Now, Euronews Culture can officially end all speculation by revealing that the identity of the new James Bond is... Irish actress and singer Jessie Buckley," the article states.
The article continues by saying an Amazon spokesperson confirmed, "'We’re distancing ourselves from the previous stance held by franchise head Barbara Broccoli, who said that Bond should only be played by a man. We’re thrilled to have Jessie Buckley on board. Additionally, her initials are also ‘JB’, so that’s delightful.'”
What's really behind the rumor that Jessie will play James Bond?
But once you look a little closer, the situation starts to shift.
The claim that Jessie had been revealed as the next James Bond was part of an April Fools’ Day article. The report was written in a way that mirrored real casting announcements, which is why it spread as quickly as it did.
The truth is, casting has not been confirmed for the movie as of this writing. But Jessie has her own pick for who should play Bond.
Speaking to Variety at the Oscars, Jessie said she believes Callum Turner would be a strong choice to take on the role of James Bond.
That comment shifts the focus back to the broader conversation around casting. Instead of being positioned as a contender herself, she pointed to another actor she thinks would fit the part. And this was weeks before the rumor began.
The Bond franchise has a long history of casting speculation, especially during gaps between films. Names often surface based on interviews, fan discussions, or even offhand comments.
That environment makes it easy for a rumor to gain traction, especially when it is tied to a recognizable actor or a major shift in the character.
In this case, the combination of a well-known actor and the idea of a first female Bond helped the story spread quickly before the full context became clear.
The conversation around who will be the next James Bond is still ongoing, and moments like this show how quickly speculation can turn into headlines. It's a good reminder to not believe everything you see online. For fans, it keeps the question open and adds another layer to an already ongoing debate about what the future of the franchise will look like.