Patrick Gibson is officially cast as James Bond in 007 First Light, with Priyanga Burford as M, Gemma Chan as Dr. Selina Tan, and Lennie James as mentor John Greenway in IO Interactive’s origin story game releasing March 27, 2026.
007 First Light: Essential Cast & Game Overview
How the Cast Was Announced
IO Interactive kicked off the casting reveal on September 3, 2025, by officially confirming Patrick Gibson as James Bond through press releases, marking the first time a new actor was publicly cast for the franchise’s new game. Gibson’s announcement sent shockwaves through the gaming community, as he was selected to portray a 26-year-old Bond in an entirely original origin story that predates his 00 status.
The studio then unveiled the complete ensemble cast throughout mid-September 2025 via Xbox News and major gaming outlets, including the landmark announcement of Gemma Chan as Dr. Selina Tan.
Chan’s casting made history as the first celebrity to lend both voice and likeness to a Bond video game character, bringing her Eternals and Human Earth screen presence to MI6’s Head of Tactical Simulation. The full roster included:
Priyanga Burford as M
Lennie James as Bond’s mentor John Greenway
Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny
Alastair Mackenzie as Q
Noémie Nakai as the femme fatale Ms. Roth.
Following the initial announcements, IO Interactive released character trailers and behind-the-scenes content featuring Patrick Gibson discussing his Bond portrayal and the full ensemble’s involvement through YouTube and official channels. The studio also revealed Lenny Kravitz as Bawma in post-launch updates, adding a special guest voice to the already star-studded cast. The villain 009, a former MI6 agent Bond must hunt, remains unrevealed.
Casting Details You Need to Know
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Patrick Gibson (The Witcher, Tidelands) plays a 26-year-old Bond undergoing training to earn his 00 status — this is not Casino Royale-era Bond but a prequel origin story
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Gemma Chan breaking ground: She’s the first celebrity to provide both voice and likeness for a Bond video game character, setting a new standard for cinematic integration in gaming
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Priyanga Burford brings meta-Bond credibility: She previously played Dr. Maddox, an MI6 scientist, in No Time To Die (2021), making her real-world Bond universe experience
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Lennie James (Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead) portrays John Greenway, Bond’s mysterious mentor figure who guides him through early missions
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The villain 009 remains uncast/unrevealed — a former MI6 agent Bond must hunt, central to the game’s antagonistic plot
Complete Character Roster Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions About 007 First Light Cast
Is Patrick Gibson the new official James Bond?
Yes, for this game specifically — Gibson portrays Bond in IO Interactive’s original origin story, a separate continuity from Daniel Craig’s film series.
Why is Gemma Chan’s casting historic?
She’s the first celebrity to provide both voice and likeness for a Bond video game character, setting a new standard for cinematic integration in gaming.
Have any original Ian Fleming characters been cast?
The game features M (Priyanga Burford), Q (Alastair Mackenzie), and Moneypenny (Kiera Lester) — all classic Fleming characters reimagined for a younger Bond era.
When can I play the game?
007 First Light launched on March 27, 2026, across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Switch 2 .
Is the villain 009’s actor revealed?
Not yet — 009’s casting remains unannounced as of the latest updates, though the character is central to the plot as a rogue former MI6 agent.
The 007 First Light cast represents IO Interactive’s commitment to A-list talent for their Bond origin story, blending film veterans with gaming newcomers to create a cinematic experience that stands alongside the best Bond films
