James Bond is about to make his comeback, but not in the way you might think. A few days ago, development studio IO Interactive unveiled its next game featuring the most famous spy in history. Announced several months ago, the game 007: First Light was presented in more detail at Summer Game Fest 2025 with the first official images that are already causing controversy.
After Daniel Craig retired from his role as James Bond, the studio had to find a new face for its title, and it turned to Patrick Gibson. You're probably wondering: "What's wrong with this actor?" Is he too short? Too blond? Too young. Criticism is mounting, and the hero's age is being questioned. The studio confirmed today that the new James Bond will be 26 years old. This is a far cry from the spy's usual forty-something age.
Attracting a more modern audience
Why such a choice? We've known since the game's presentation that 007: First Light will be an origin story, centered on the agent's early years, even before he earned his famous badge number. A narrative choice that allows the studio to gain independence from the legendary film saga while offering an experience that will appeal more to younger audiences.
Jonathan Lacaille, franchise director at IO Interactive, justified this approach by explaining that it was “exciting to tell a little-explored period” in James Bond’s life. The character is portrayed as a still inexperienced, attractive, but clumsy, and sometimes reckless man. Asked by GamesRadar+, he said:
A never-ending debate
The decision to opt for a younger version of Bond in First Light is reminiscent of the debates surrounding the next actor to play 007 in the big screen. Although production on the upcoming film is underway, no official announcement has yet been made regarding Daniel Craig's successor. Speculation is rife, with some audiences wondering about the future actor's age. For now, all eyes are on Aaron Taylor Johnson, who is 34 years old.
Choosing an origin story to stay within a universe while freeing itself from certain adaptation constraints is not a new technique. It is already the approach adopted by Sony Pictures with the film Uncharted. Although the eponymous games depicted a Nathan Drake in his prime, a seasoned adventurer, the film chose to present a 25-year-old Nathan Drake, young and inexperienced, with dreams in his eyes and an unfailing naiveté. This choice ultimately paid off, and we hope that IO Interactive's will do the same.
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