Rory Kinnear has revealed that he would be open to returning as Bill Tanner in the next James Bond movie. The actor, who portrayed M’s chief of staff across three Daniel Craig-era films, has not heard anything from the new creative team yet but believes some familiar elements of the franchise could survive its transition to a new era.
The next Bond movie is being developed under Amazon MGM following the company’s expanded control over the franchise. Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing, while the search for Daniel Craig’s successor has reportedly entered its final stages.
Rory Kinnear Is Ready to Reprise Bill Tanner
Kinnear first appeared as Bill Tanner in Quantum of Solace in 2008 and returned for Skyfall and No Time to Die. His version of Tanner became an established part of Craig’s Bond era, working closely with Ralph Fiennes’ M and providing support to 007 during major missions.
Speaking to The Times, Kinnear said he has not been contacted about the upcoming film. However, he believes the franchise may retain certain recognizable elements despite moving in a new direction.
“That’s the exciting thing – I’m sure they’ll want to hold on to some continuity, what it means to people,”
Kinnear said.
“But there’ll be a whole different approach.”
The actor also made it clear that he would accept an opportunity to return as Tanner. His potential comeback would give the new Bond movie a direct connection to the previous era without requiring the new 007 to continue Daniel Craig’s storyline.
What Could Stay the Same in the New 007 Era?
The possibility of Kinnear returning comes as Amazon MGM prepares to reshape the long-running spy franchise. The next installment will be the first major Bond film following No Time to Die, which concluded Craig’s tenure as 007 in 2021.
Several familiar names remain connected to Bond speculation, although none of the reported candidates has officially been confirmed as the next 007. Names linked to the role include Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden, Jack Barton, Callum Turner and Harris Dickinson, with reports suggesting Villeneuve is interested in casting a relatively unknown British actor.
Kinnear urged caution over casting rumors, pointing to his own experience with inaccurate speculation.
“Thirteen years ago, The Telegraph announced me as the new Doctor Who – I don’t know where that came from,”
he said, noting that rumored names are not necessarily the people ultimately chosen.
The new Bond movie’s approach to continuity could therefore become one of its most interesting elements. While Amazon MGM and Villeneuve are expected to establish a fresh interpretation of 007, Kinnear’s comments suggest that familiar supporting characters and aspects of Bond’s established identity could potentially remain part of the franchise’s future.
For now, there is no confirmation that Kinnear will return as Bill Tanner, and the identity of the next James Bond remains officially unannounced.
