Josh Brolin recently expressed his thoughts on the upcoming James Bond film, Bond 26, following the announcement that Denis Villeneuve will direct the project. After a period of uncertainty since the release of No Time To Die in 2021, the 007 franchise has seen renewed momentum this year when Amazon took full creative control from the Broccoli family. Brolin also hinted at his interest in potentially joining the series, further fueling speculation about the film’s casting prospects.
Denis Villeneuve Confirmed as Director, Casting Remains Unclear
After Amazon‘s acquisition of creative control, Denis Villeneuve was confirmed to direct Bond 26, with a script written by Steven Knight. While the director and writer are now secured, casting for the film remains shrouded in mystery. There has been no official announcement about who will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, leaving many fans eager for updates.
Rumors continue to swirl around possible candidates, with names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson occasionally mentioned, though no firm indication of their involvement has surfaced. More surprisingly, reports have emerged that relative newcomer Scott Rose-Marsh has recently screen-tested for the role, but the overall casting situation remains speculative.
Josh Brolin’s Connection to Bond and Villeneuve
In a recent conversation with The Playlist, Josh Brolin revealed a surprising family connection to the Bond franchise. He shared that his father, James Brolin, was once very close to securing the role of James Bond before Roger Moore returned at the last moment to reclaim the part. Brolin described this near-casting as a wild and fascinating tidbit from his family history:
“I just told somebody, ‘Oh, did you know, my dad was almost Bond?’ That is one of my favorite things. And he got it! He got the role, and then Roger Moore returned at the last second and said, ‘I’ll do it.’ Maybe it was a whole negotiational technique to get more money, but yeah. Wild.” —Josh Brolin, Actor
Beyond this family anecdote, Josh Brolin expressed his admiration for Denis Villeneuve and his eagerness to collaborate with the director again, whether or not it involves the Bond franchise. Having worked with Villeneuve on Sicario (2015) and both Dune films, Brolin emphasized their strong working relationship and enthusiasm for the filmmaker’s projects:
“I didn’t even have to read Dune, even though I knew the story, to wanna do it with Denis; Denis is it for me. We have a very close relationship; he’s a stellar filmmaker. I like working with people I like and who are stellar filmmakers. So I have that with him, and I’m fortunate. So wherever Bond goes, it will go.” —Josh Brolin, Actor
Potential Roles for Brolin in Bond 26
While Brolin’s remarks did not suggest he is a candidate for the lead role, his age and American nationality may disqualify him from playing James Bond himself. Instead, speculation points to possible supporting roles that could suit him well.
One likely option is the iconic CIA agent Felix Leiter. This character has been a consistent ally to Bond across multiple films and was last portrayed by Jeffrey Wright during Daniel Craig’s tenure. Brolin’s involvement as Leiter could introduce a new dynamic, especially considering the notable age difference that might be played up on screen.
Another intriguing possibility is Brolin playing the film’s villain. Details about the antagonist for Bond 26 have yet to be revealed, but these roles traditionally feature distinctive and often extravagant villainous traits, which could be a compelling challenge for an actor of Brolin’s range.
No official timeline for the casting announcements has been given yet, but industry insiders anticipate news about roles, including Bond himself, will emerge in the coming months, likely by fall.
The Future of the 007 Franchise Under Villeneuve’s Direction
The future trajectory of James Bond hinges heavily on the casting of the new lead, and this decision will shape the entire film. Josh Brolin’s possible involvement adds to the excitement, given his previous collaborative success with Denis Villeneuve, most recently seen with the Dune saga.
Brolin taking on the role of Felix Leiter would invigorate the franchise’s supporting cast, especially since it would mark a shift in the relationship dynamics explored on screen. Meanwhile, Villeneuve’s appointment as director represents a hopeful and determined new chapter for the franchise, signaling a fresh creative vision after several years of uncertainty.
With Denis Villeneuve Bond 26 direction confirmed and the screenplay underway, fans await casting news with intense anticipation. Whatever path the franchise takes, the combination of Villeneuve’s imaginative leadership and the intrigue around new casting choices promises a revitalized and compelling Bond installment.
