Denis Villeneuve’s James Bond Just Took the Biggest Name Out of the 007 Race
Another heavyweight is out of the 007 race, as Denis Villeneuve eyes James Bond after wrapping his Dune trilogy — with the hunt narrowing to British contenders and Tom Holland among the names in play.
Bond speculation season rolls on, and now one of the louder fan-favorite names might be sliding off the board. If the chatter is right, Tom Holland probably will not be the next 007 — not because he is not British (he is), but because Marvel and a likely 'fresh face' mandate are working against him. Let’s break it down.
So, is Tom Holland out?
Holland’s name was always going to come up. He is British, wildly popular, and a proven franchise anchor — the kind of star Amazon would absolutely notice. But his Spider-Man obligations look like a brick wall for Bond.
He has been Peter Parker since 2016, with a fourth Spidey movie in development and talk of another trilogy after that. He has still taken non-Marvel gigs, sure, but Bond is a different animal — it is one of the few roles big enough to compete with Spider-Man in both profile and cultural footprint.
That is where a tabloid report comes in. The Sun claims Holland’s Marvel contract includes language meant to protect the Spider-Man brand from getting overshadowed by another huge role. Treat that as a rumor, but here is how they put it:
The Brit actor has it written into his Spider-Man Marvel contract that he is barred from pursuing any other parts that will overshadow that one. Tom can’t play two superheroes, it just won’t happen.
Whether that clause exists exactly as stated or not, the logic does track: if you are Marvel, you want your Spider-Man fully defined by Spider-Man, not sharing the spotlight with cinema’s most famous secret agent.
Even without Marvel, there is another hurdle
On top of the Spider-Man factor, the next Bond — reportedly being lined up under Denis Villeneuve’s watch after he finishes his Dune trilogy — is said to be aiming younger and less established. Reports have the team looking for a British actor in his late 20s or early 30s and, crucially, a fresh face. Holland, 29, fits the age range, but not the 'unknown' part. He is already one of the biggest stars of his generation, which likely puts him in the same 'probably too famous' bucket as other popular names like Henry Cavill.
Where Villeneuve fits in
The current buzz frames this as Denis Villeneuve’s Bond — as in, something he would tackle after wrapping his Dune run. That is the rumor lane, not a studio announcement. Still, the idea dovetails with the fresh-face approach that has served the franchise before. As of now, fans are still waiting on any official reveal, and there is no release date for Bond 26.
Quick refresher on Holland’s Spidey run
- Spider-Man: Homecoming — IMDb 7.4; Rotten Tomatoes 92% Tomatometer / 87% Audience
- Spider-Man: Far From Home — IMDb 7.3; Rotten Tomatoes 91% Tomatometer / 95% Audience
- Spider-Man: No Way Home — IMDb 8.2; Rotten Tomatoes 93% Tomatometer / 97% Audience
Bottom line: If The Sun’s report is accurate, Holland’s Marvel deal alone makes Bond a non-starter. Even if it did not, the 'fresh face' target likely would. Nothing is signed or sealed either way, but if you are betting today, expect 007 to go younger and less familiar — and not wearing a Spidey suit on the side.
Who’s your pick for the next 007?