007 First Light is easily one of the most exciting game announcements of 2025, bridging the gap between IO Interactive's skills from the Hitman series and the iconic spy franchise. While not many details have been revealed about the 007 First Light, it's been confirmed to have an entirely original storyline and characters. Offering a potential reboot and even an origin story of James Bond as a character, there's practically limitless potential for who can take over the role.
There have already been countless debates about who should take over the role of James Bond in the new film franchise, but the First Light game unlocks even more avenues through voice acting. Based on the teased silhouette of the protagonist, we already have a general idea of the age range and a few visual details about the new Bond. However, there is still plenty of room for speculation about his voice actor. From iconic actors, up-and-coming stars, to incredibly talented voice actors, the sky is the limit for what the highly anticipated series can provide.
10 Andy Serkis Has More Than Proven His Acting Range
One Of Hollywood's Most Iconic Voices Could Be The Perfect Fit For 007
Although Andy Serkis is much older than the likely age range for the 007 First Light protagonist, the infamous actor has more than proved his voice acting capabilities. Best known for his iconic motion capture performance as Gollum from The Lord of the Rings, Andy Serkis could provide a more complex perspective for the character of Bond.

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There's already been plenty of debate about whether the next live-action Bond should be a younger or older actor taking charge, with Andy Serkis offering the potential for a grittier story. While it might clash with the more comedic elements of the series, Hitman's Agent 47 proved there's still room for humor and quips with a more serious protagonist.
9 Andrew Lincoln's Natural Performance Would Be A Classical Fit For 007
Offering A Great Opportunity For The Award-Winning Television Star
Suppose you've only ever seen Andrew Lincoln in his intense role on The Walking Dead. In that case, you might be surprised to hear that he has a distinctly British accent, sounding like a completely different person during interviews. Even if he is another actor on the older side of the spectrum, Andrew Lincoln has an excellent range and physical presence to provide in 007 First Light.
Andrew Lincoln is one of my top choices for a compelling perspective on an emotionally conflicted Bond.
Having experience with both the darker elements in shows like The Walking Dead and an incredible amount of charisma, I can easily see Andrew Lincoln's voice fitting into both the darker and lighter tones of the series. While it ultimately depends on the direction 007 First Light is taking with its story, Andrew Lincoln is one of my top choices for a compelling perspective on an emotionally conflicted Bond.
8 Tom Hiddleston Is An Easy Choice For An Iconic Bond Candidate
Tom Hiddleston Is Perfect For A Bond In His Prime
While he might seem like a more iconic fit for the highly coveted live-action role, Tom Hiddleston's voice and acting career make him an ideal candidate to play Bond in 007 First Light. Having more than proven his capabilities in nuanced roles like Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as older roles like Henry V in The Hollow Crown, a James Bond played by Tom Hiddleston could easily become a fan favorite.
James Bond played by Tom Hiddleston, could easily become a fan favorite.
Just hearing Tom Hiddleston's voice makes it incredibly easy to picture him in the role of Bond, especially for the blend of quippy comedy and serious setpieces that IO Interactive is known for. While Tom's large celebrity status makes his inclusion less likely than the rest, he does have voice acting experience in the past, which I could easily see evolving into a video game voice acting career.
7 Regé-Jean Page Could Be An Unconventional But Worthy Choice For 007 Last Light
Plenty Of Roles With Just The Right Experience Needed For The Character
Similar to several of Bond's best contenders, one of Rege-Kean Page's breakout roles can be traced back to his performance in Bridgerton, where he more than proved his acting abilities. With a growing demand for a Bond outside the standard template, Page's suave acting ability and on-screen presence could make him the perfect fit for a modern gaming audience.
Page's suave acting ability and on-screen presence could make him the perfect fit for a modern gaming audience.
Aside from his extensive acting experience, Rege-Jean Page's performance in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is what sold me on his potential as Bond, blending a mix of Stoic charm and comedy that easily made him one of my favorite characters from the film. While the actor's inexperience in voice acting could pose an issue for IO Interactive, his fresh take could be a great way to solidify a character with a strongly distinct identity.
6 Rupert Friend Deserves A Second Chance As James Bond
Earning Plenty Of Experience After The 2015 Hitman Film
Rupert Friend had an unfortunate start with IO Interactive's Hitman franchise in the disastrously received Hitman: Agent 47 film, but his performance was far from the cause of its downfall. In addition to already having experience with the series, Friend has also been considered for the role of James Bond in the past and even performed a screen test for the films.
Friend has already been considered for the role of James Bond in the past.
Having lacked experience at the time and being more soft-spoken than the character demanded, Rupert Friend has gained plenty of roles under his belt over the years, making it a perfect time for another crack at the role. From a more intimidating presence with characters like The Inquisitor from the Obi-Wan show, on top of his growing list of credentials from films like Jurassic Park, Rupert Friend could be just what 007 Last Light needs for its fresh start.
5 Neil Newbon Is An Excellent Pick For Another Starring Role
A Perfect Opportunity For The Award-Winning Baldur's Gate 3 Voice Actor
After winning best performance at the 2023 Game Awards in Baldur's Gate 3, Neil Newbon's rising popularity makes him an easy choice for a new Bond. With an excellent range of more extravagant character voices, such as Astarian or Heisenberg in Resident Evil 8, it would be a somewhat unconventional choice that could still offer a standout portrayal for the character.

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Even if Neil Newbon doesn't have the right voice for Bond in 007 First Light, there is one other Baldur's Gate 3 actor who could be another excellent fit. Wyll's Tarvengard's voice actor, Theo Solomon, is also a fantastic choice, adding an excellent blend of a charismatic yet grounded performance that the nuanced character deserves.
4 Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is The Ideal Candidate For A Modern-Day Bond
A Fantastic Backup If The Live Action Slot Is Already Taken
Combining the younger appearance of a fresh Bond with a plethora of action-oriented film experience, it's no wonder that Aaron Taylor-Johnson is one of the number one live-action Bond choices. Even if Aaron doesn't end up making the cut for the live-action revival, that doesn't mean we could never see him take up the mantle in a digital format instead.

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With experience in dramatic, action, and comedy roles, as exemplified in recent films like Bullet Train, Aaron Taylor-Johnson possesses the skills necessary to fulfill each aspect of a James Bond protagonist, particularly in the looks department. With a strong on-screen presence and a versatile acting background, it would be great to see the actor get the chance to play a younger, yet still experienced, James Bond.
3 Troy Baker Is An Easy Pick For Such An Iconic Role
The Infamous Voice Actor Is A Safe Choice For 007 First Light
It almost feels like cheating to add Troy Baker as a potential candidate given his status in the industry. Still, I can easily see his acting ability fitting perfectly into the role of Bond. Having plenty of experience with range and motion capture across his various game appearances, ranging from Death Stranding to The Last of Us, the transition would be an easier process for development.
Having Baker play a villain would be an even more exciting opportunity for the series.
Following his fantastic portrayal of a young Indie in Indiana Jones and The Great Circle that managed to impress Harrison Ford himself, Troy Baker could easily play a Bond in a new origin story. Regardless of if Troy Baker ends up playing Bond himself in 007 First Light, having Baker play a villain would be an even more exciting opportunity for the series.
2 Jonathan Bailey Could Provide A Refreshing Take For A New Bond
A Great Choice For A More Emotionally Charged Bond
Playing significant roles in shows like Bridgerton or the Wicked film, Jonathan Bailey has all the charm and presence needed to play the role of Bond, while adding a fresh perspective on the character. Balancing both the strength and softer sides of characters that feel right at home with Craig's performance in the recent Bond films, Bailey could provide a more modern take on the series while staying true to its origins.
Jonathan Bailey has one of the highest chances of having been selected by IO Interactive for the role.
Based on his previous interviews, Jonathan Bailey has a clear ion for voice acting versatile characters, best exemplified by playing G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy 14. With experience as both a suave British actor and a previous voice actor in video games, Jonathan Bailey has one of the highest chances of being selected by IO Interactive for the role of Bond in 007 First Light.
1 Ben Starr Is The Perfect New Star To Play A Nuanced Bond
A Fresh Start After The Recent Craig Films
Out of all the iconic voice actors in the industry, a rising star like Ben Star could be just what the series needs for a fresh start to set the original protagonist apart from the films. From acting as the face of Jimbo for the record-breaking Balatro to more serious roles like Verso from the recent Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Ben Star would be a perfect candidate to play Bond in First Light.

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Offering a fresh take on the 007 character, IO Interactive could lean more heavily into Ben Starr's nuanced approach to acting for more emotionally complicated characters, while still retaining the British charm the character is well known for. Following his recent success and starring roles in both Final Fantasy 14 as Clive and protagonist of The First Berserker: Khazan, Ben Starr has all the experience needed with a ionate performance history to back it up.

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