A widely shared article claimed yesterday that Irish actress and singer Jessie Buckley had been cast as the next James Bond, marking the first time a woman would play the iconic spy. The Euronews Culture piece quoted a purported Amazon MGM spokesperson announcing Buckley, 36, as 007 in the upcoming Bond 26 film.

The article detailed a radical reinvention under director Denis Villeneuve, with Buckley selected for her initials 'JB' and musical background, potentially incorporating folk songs into the soundtrack. It also named Tom Hiddleston as a 'Bond boy' and Gillian Anderson as the new M. However, the piece concluded with 'Happy April Fools,' confirming the announcement as an April 1 prank timed for the holiday.

Euronews followed up with a fantasy casting article for supporting roles in a hypothetical gender-swapped Bond universe, proposing actors like Regé-Jean Page as a love interest and Jacob Elordi as villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The Mirror's April Fools' live blog also highlighted the Buckley claim as part of the day's pranks.

No official casting has been made for Bond 26, the first film fully under Amazon MGM Studios' control after producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepped back. Denis Villeneuve signed on to direct in June 2025, with Steven Knight scripting a story inspired by Ian Fleming's novels. Reports indicate Villeneuve seeks an unknown British actor for the role, continuing a tradition with past leads like Sean Connery and Daniel Craig.

Filming could begin as early as this month after Villeneuve wraps Dune 3, aiming for a 2027 or 2028 release. Betting odds currently favor Callum Turner at 5/4, followed by Jacob Elordi and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Other rumored contenders include Henry Cavill, Harris Dickinson, and Tom Holland, though trade publications like Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter report no confirmations.

The franchise has been in limbo since Daniel Craig's exit in No Time to Die in 2021. Broccoli previously stated Bond would remain a man in his 30s. The April Fools' stunt reignited speculation but underscored the ongoing secrecy around the real casting.