Seven years after his last outing in an action thriller on Netflix, Richard Madden is about to stake his claim to be the next James Bond like never before. In 2026, Madden is set to star in Jed Mercurio’s latest miniseries Trinity, which will serve as a spiritual successor to their previous Netflix collaboration, Bodyguard.
Although he isn’t currently considered a top contender to play James Bond in Denis Villeneuve’s forthcoming 007 movie, the Scottish actor has long been touted for the role. A thriller series in which he once again demonstrates his credentials as a suave and self-possessed action hero will inevitably return Madden to the forefront of the conversation around Bond.
It’s been seven years since rumors began to swirl that he was in line to take over from Daniel Craig following No Time to Die. Madden’s TV show appearances since then have only added fuel to the fire, particularly in the case of his Prime Video spy series Citadel.
Richard Madden’s New Netflix Thriller Can Cement Him As A Favorite To Be The Next James Bond
Mason Kane (Richard Madden) looking angry in a shiny black room in Citadel season 1.
If Denis Villeneuve wants a fresh face in the role of 007 for the 26th installment of the James Bond movie series, then he could do much worse than Richard Madden. The actor may be 40 years old in 2026, but he’s looking as young and spritely as ever, and is yet to leave a definitive mark on Hollywood with another big-screen performance.
He’s well-known internationally for his portrayals of Robb Stark in Game of Thrones and Ikaris in the Marvel movie Eternals. Nevertheless, his acting profile is still much smaller than some of the other names linked to the role of Bond.
Prime Video’s Citadel is Madden’s best James Bond audition so far, proving that he’s got what it takes to front a spy franchise with swagger and panache. But his leading role in Netflix’s upcoming thriller series Trinity will be the release most likely to tip the 007 debate firmly in his favor.
James Bond Rumors Have Circled Around Madden Since His Last Netflix Thriller
It’s fitting that the discussion around Richard Madden playing James Bond should resurface ahead of his next role in a Netflix action thriller, because it was Madden’s previous show on the streaming platform that kickstarted this discussion in 2018. Netflix’s limited action thriller series Bodyguard propelled him into the limelight in truly spectacular fashion.
Featuring Madden as an ex-army officer charged with the perilous task of guarding a British government minister at the center of a conspiracy plot, this high-octane series showcased the actor’s penchant for exuding understated charisma in the heat of an explosive action sequence. He appeared to offer precisely the kind of screen presence needed to become James Bond.
Trinity Is Jed Mercurio’s Spiritual Successor To Bodyguard
Richard Madden as David Budd in Bodyguard (2018)
If Richard Madden’s best political thriller to date isn’t enough to convince Denis Villeneuve and co of his suitability to acquire a license to kill, then Jed Mercurio’s 2026 Netflix series Trinity is sure to do the trick. Mercurio is the creator behind Bodyguard, and this latest show feels like a spiritual successor to his 2018 project with Madden.
Just like its forerunner, Trinity will follow a military officer embroiled in a conspiracy involving a senior minister in the British government. This time around, though, Madden will be on the political side of the conspiracy, playing Defense Secretary Webb Preston.
Nevertheless, we should expect plenty of swashbuckling combat sequences to underline his case for playing 007. Early reports about the show’s plot have revealed that Madden’s character stands apart from other politicians thanks to his all-action approach and extensive knowledge of military technology, as well as the passionate affair he embarks on with a naval commander (via Country & Town House).
Trinity provides just the platform Richard Madden needs to prove once and for all that he’s just the right fit for the most famous action role in movie history. By the end of 2026, there’s a significant possibility that Madden will have been confirmed as the next James Bond.
Genres
Action
Created by
Ian Fleming, Albert R. Broccoli
First Film
Dr. No
Latest Film
No Time to Die
Upcoming Films
James Bond 26
First TV Show
Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
