Steven Knight has revealed that knowing who will play the next James Bond has made writing the upcoming 007 movie somewhat easier. The Peaky Blinders creator, who is writing the 26th James Bond film for Amazon MGM, made the comments during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on September 8. His remarks are the strongest indication yet that the long-awaited casting decision may already have been made, although the studio has not officially named Daniel Craig’s successor.
Knight was asked whether he had been writing Bond based purely on the established character or whether he had the eventual actor in mind. His response suggested that he has received information about the casting, while carefully avoiding confirmation of the identity.
Steven Knight Says Bond 26 Was Easier Once He Knew the Actor
“It’s a bit of both,”
Knight told Radio 4’s Today programme.
“It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.”
When pressed about exactly when he discovered who would succeed Craig, Knight declined to provide a direct answer, instead referring back to his previous response. That cautious wording is significant because Amazon MGM has repeatedly refused to reveal who has been selected for the role.
Earlier in 2026, Amazon MGM said auditions were underway, while studio executives emphasized that the search was being handled carefully. At CinemaCon, Amazon MGM film chief Courtenay Valenti said the studio was taking its time with the decision and described the next Bond movie as a major responsibility.
Several actors have been linked to the role throughout the casting process, including Jack Lowden, Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. However, none has been officially announced as the next 007, meaning Knight’s comments should not be treated as confirmation of any specific actor.
The uncertainty has only intensified after Gary Oldman recently suggested that the new Bond had already been chosen. Lowden, his Slow Horses co-star, has received particular attention in recent speculation, although the production has not confirmed those reports.
Steven Knight Wants to Preserve Bond’s British Identity
Knight also discussed the responsibility of writing the first Bond movie of the Amazon MGM era. He described the assignment as feeling like his “duty for king and country” and stressed that Bond occupies a distinctive place in British cinema.
“The thing with Bond is it’s its own universe and its own franchise,”
Knight said. He added that he likes the fact that Bond is British and “not DC or Marvel,” while also saying he feels a responsibility toward Ian Fleming’s original material.
The film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing and Tanya Lapointe serving as executive producer. Villeneuve is expected to begin production after completing Dune: Part Three, while the film remains without an official release date.
For now, Knight’s comments provide a major new clue about the status of Bond 26, but the identity of the next 007 remains officially unconfirmed. Amazon MGM is expected to make a formal casting announcement when the studio is ready.
