Bond 25: everything we know about the new James Bond film

It's like he never left – after months of speculations, backtracks and changes of plan, things are starting to shape up for the new James Bond film. Bond 25, as it's still being elusively referred to, has finally confirmed some key names to look out for.

Gamechanger: the new 007, Lashana Lynch

The plot thickens on the new James Bond film as an earlier name confirmed as part of the ensemble cast has been given historic detail. Lashana Lynch, last seen alongside Brie Larson in Captain Marvel, has been confirmed to be taking over Bond's agent alias as 007.

Fans have been calling out for a black James Bond for several years (and Idris Elba has happily indulged rumours), and while Daniel Craig is still set to play the man once more (and producer Barbara Broccoli has said there will never be a female Bond) – to pass the duties onto a new agent.

Bond has always been synonymous with his codename, 007 – but the (still untitled) new film will see Bond as a retired agent, brought back in for one more mission by the person who's taken over, which is confirmed to be Lynch's 007. The power dynamics promise long-awaited change within the franchise.

Who is directing Bond 25?

The film made headlines as soon as Trainspotting director Danny Boyle stepped down from the position, putting the future of our agent into disarray. But it landed in the safe hands of Cary Fukunaga, best known as the mind behind the explosive first series of True Detective as well as Netflix psychedelic trip Maniac.

In terms of what this could mean for Bond's eventual fate? It's all still up in the air. But Fukunaga has a knack for drawing out visceral emotional pain from his characters, without sacrificing any ambitious action or credibility in the process. Colour us convinced for now.

James Bond cast: confirmed names for new Bond film

Daniel Craig and Léa Seydoux are returning from their first outing together in Spectre

There have been rumours about him leaving, giving up, closing the door and throwing the key away – but Daniel Craig is back, allegedly for one last time. His Bond will be joined by a few familiar faces again too: Léa Seydoux is reprising her role as SPECTRE associate Madeline Swann, and the host of franchise stalwarts is back.

Ralph Fiennes as M

Ben Whishaw as Q

Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny

Rory Kinnear as Tanner

Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter

Several new names enter the universe as well, to much excitement.

Ana de Armas in Blade Runner 2049

Ana de Armas broke through with a supporting role in Blade Runner 2049 and will be joining the cast as Paloma.

Billy Magnussen has been slowly but surely making a name for himself through a number of indie titles – but that's all due to change. His presence in Ingrid Goes West and supporting role in Maniac (his first collaboration with Fukunaga) have paved the way for his upcoming role in Bond 25 – and he recently starred in Guy Ritchie's Aladdin too.

Rami Malek in Mr. Robot

Rami Malek has been confirmed as the almighty antagonist of Bond 25. The specifics of his character are yet to be disclosed, but the Bohemian Rhapsody and Mr. Robot actor has already boasted his versatility and capability for piercing darkness – perfect for the final chapter of this Bond era.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge: Bond is getting the Fleabag treatment

Fukanaga has often penned the scripts of his own projects, but he's enlisted a couple of helping hands for Bond 25. Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum) is lending his skills to the project, and, much more surprisingly, the genius behind Fleabag herself, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is completing the trio.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag

Is Bond going to adopt a guinea pig to confront his issues with intimacy? Will he finally turn to the audience in his time of need? Will there be a priest involved? Waller-Bridge's inclusion asks so many more questions – and raises our expectations exponentially.

When does Bond 25 come out?

Although there is still no title, no trailer, and filming in Jamaica is still ongoing, Bond 25 has already declared an explosive arrival into cinemas on 3 April 2020 in the UK. Mark your diaries, he'll be expecting you.