Danny Boyle, the Academy Award-winning director who famously walked away from the James Bond franchise during the development of what became No Time to Die, has named his preferred choice to take over the mantle of 007. Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival on September 30, 2026, Boyle endorsed actor Jack O’Connell for the iconic role.
The endorsement comes as the search for Daniel Craig’s successor continues under the new leadership of Amazon MGM Studios. Boyle’s public backing of O’Connell carries significant weight given the director’s history with the series. While Boyle’s pick is personal rather than official, it highlights O’Connell as a prominent contender in a race that has remained largely speculative since 2021.
Boyle’s departure from the franchise in 2018 remains one of the more high-profile creative shifts in recent Bond history. Originally slated to direct Bond 25, Boyle and his long-time writing partner John Hodge developed a script that was reportedly set in present-day Russia. Boyle recently confirmed that he left the production after producers lost confidence in that specific creative direction, leading to a total overhaul of the project that eventually became the swan song for Daniel Craig’s iteration of the character.
The Current State of Bond 26
While Boyle has moved on to other projects, including the upcoming 28 Years Later trilogy, the official gears for the next Bond film are finally turning. The franchise is currently undergoing a complete reboot under the direction of Denis Villeneuve, who was officially confirmed to lead Bond 26. The screenplay for this new era is being penned by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders.
The creative landscape for the series changed significantly in March 2025, when Amazon MGM Studios reportedly acquired complete creative control of the James Bond franchise for $1 billion. This shift in ownership has led to a deliberate, high-stakes approach to casting the next lead. Industry reports suggest that an official announcement regarding the new James Bond actor is expected by the end of 2026.
O’Connell, known for his gritty performances in Unbroken and ’71, fits the more grounded, physical mold that characterized the Craig era, which Boyle had previously sought to explore further in his abandoned Russian-centric vision.
Beyond his thoughts on the 007 franchise, Boyle also provided updates on his other major properties during the festival. He confirmed that 28 Years Later 3 is moving forward with a script by Alex Garland and that Cillian Murphy will have a major role in the third installment.
