The latest State of Play finally delivered what many fans — myself included — had been waiting for: the official cast reveal of 007: First Light. After months of speculation about who would bring Bond’s origin story to life, the curtain has lifted: Patrick Gibson, Priyanga Burford, Lennie James, Kiera Lester, Alastair Mackenzie, and Noémie Nakai are confirmed. This moment sat right at the top of my Gamescom and State of Play wishlist, and it feels especially satisfying to see IOI officially confirm Patrick Gibson as Bond and Lennie James as Greenway — a revelation long overdue after James himself hinted at it weeks ago in interviews.
Patrick Gibson — James Bond
The 30-year-old Irish actor has steadily built a résumé across both film and television, from The OA and Shadow and Bone to Tolkien. Most recently, he earned headlines playing a young Dexter Morgan in Dexter: Original Sin, even winning praise from Michael C. Hall for capturing the killer’s intensity. Gibson’s mix of mystery, charm, and vulnerability makes him a fitting choice to portray Bond at the very beginning of his journey — before he earns the fabled “00” status in 007: First Light, a game that reimagines James Bond’s origin story as a young Royal Navy officer drawn into espionage for the first time.
Priyanga Burford — M
The 54-year-old British actress, narrator, and writer has impressed audiences in Industry, Innocent, and even appeared in No Time to Die as Dr. Symes, a scientist working on MI6’s Heracles project. On stage, she has performed at the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe, with acclaimed turns in The Winter’s Tale and Consent.
Now, returning to the Bond universe as the new M, she embodies authority and intelligence — qualities that define Bond’s formidable boss. Unlike Judi Dench’s more cautious M, this incarnation sees great potential in the young recruit, setting high expectations and even dubbing him a “bullet without a target” before his induction into the 00-program.
Lennie James — John Greenway
With powerhouse performances in Line of Duty, The Walking Dead, and the BAFTA-winning drama Save Me, 60-year-old Lennie James is a veteran presence. He recently earned praise for Mr Loverman, adapted from Bernardine Evaristo’s novel. In 007: First Light, James plays John Greenway, a former 00-agent tasked with restarting the program by training a new generation of recruits. Initially skeptical, he ultimately becomes both mentor and surrogate father figure to the young Bond — a role that makes his combination of emotional depth and gravitas an ideal fit.
Kiera Lester — Moneypenny
A rising British actress trained at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She has appeared in Chloe, Death in Paradise, Grace, and the comedy Ruby Speaking.
In 007: First Light, she takes on the iconic role of Miss Moneypenny. While she appears reserved when first meeting Bond, she gradually grows into one of his closest allies. Her mission briefings are presented with the same stylish flair fans will recognize from Hitman, and in that sense, she becomes the Bond universe’s counterpart to Diana Burnwood – a trusted voice of guidance, insight, and steady support in the field.
Alastair Mackenzie — Q
The 55-year-old Scottish actor and writer is best known for Monarch of the Glen, Wolf Hall, Borgen, and most recently Andor. With a career spanning both stage and screen, and as co-founder of Sigma Films, Alastair Mackenzie combines intellect and creativity — perfect traits for the ingenious quartermaster Q, who equips Bond with cutting-edge gadgets. Interestingly, his voice was not yet heard in the reveal trailer, keeping this interpretation of Q under wraps for now.
Beyond the tech, this Q also teaches Bond what it means to be a gentleman — from appreciating a finely crafted watch to understanding the power of a perfectly tailored suit.
Noémie Nakai — Charlotte Roth
The 34-year-old actress and filmmaker, born in Tokyo to a French mother and Japanese father, has lived and studied across three countries. Noémie Nakai has credits including Tokyo Vice and Army of Thieves, as well as directing award-winning shorts like Tears Teacher.
In 007: First Light, she portrays Charlotte Roth, a DGSE field agent whose true identity was revealed only during the Gamescom demo. Until then, she had been known simply as Isola — a name that fueled plenty of fan speculation. Roth enters the story as charismatic, forceful, and enigmatic, immediately positioning herself as more experienced than the young Bond and perhaps even shaping his outlook. Is she here to make him more ruthless? Could she be a love interest, or something far more dangerous? Above all, can she truly be trusted?
Final Thoughts
I’m absolutely thrilled with the casting choices so far, and the updates from the State of Play have only made me more excited. I was also very pleasantly surprised by Charlotte Roth. In the reveal trailer, she might have come across as a more traditional “Bond girl,” maybe a bit reserved or looking up to Bond. At least, that’s what one might have guessed at first glance. But seeing how tough and strong she actually is makes her character so much cooler. It’s great to have such a strong female character who can really hold her own.
I’m especially pleased to see that Moneypenny carries even more youthful energy and spark than Naomie Harris’grounded take in the Craig era — a fresh dynamic that fits perfectly with Bond’s formative years. And I have to admit, I was initially quite skeptical about what to make of Q’s new look. But knowing that Alastair Mackenzie is taking on the role — and remembering how fantastic he was in Andor — has completely won me over.
