Bond 26 is still in active development, but it’s making a lot of progress since the Amazon deal. Recently, it was announced that Dune‘s Denis Villeneuve would be directing the next 007 franchise entry. This is mᴀssive news for the franchise, as he is a respected director.

The search for the next James Bond actor is still underway. A recent report did seem to reveal Amazon’s shortlist for the role, which included young British actors Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson and Australian star Jacob Elordi.

As speculations continue about the next 007, the conversation regarding who might return for the next movie is also ongoing. One anticipated potential returning star is Ana de Armas, who played Paloma in No Time to Die, and has been a fan-favorite character ever since.

Why Ana De Armas’ Paloma Should Return For Amazon’s James Bond

Her Character Could Have Exciting Growth

De Armas completely stole the show in No Time to Die. She managed this despite her very limited screen time in the movie, appearing in just 12 minutes of the film. But if the actor could be really compelling in that short amount of time, there is no telling what she could do if given more focus.

Since No Time to Die, de Armas has further proven her ability to be a strong action lead. Most recently, she portrayed the starring role in the John Wick franchise film Ballerina. De Armas could easily transfer these action star skills by reprising her Paloma role in Bond 26.

Ana De Armas’ History With Denis Villeneuve Could Boost Her Bond Return Chances

She Was In Blade Runner 2049

The next Bond movie being directed by Villeneuve is a good sign for De Armas’ return. The two have collaborated before, working together on Blade Runner 2049. This served as one of the actor’s breakout roles back in 2017.

Now that both are more established in their careers, it seems the perfect time for de Armas and Villeneuve to return to work together. Paloma’s return would undoubtedly be welcome by franchise audiences, and the Villeneuve connection makes her return more likely. Plus, de Armas has been open to reprising the role in past interviews.

Which Other Denis Villeneuve Actors Could Appear In His James Bond Movie?

There Are Several Likely Candidates

Villeneuve’s experience, especially in the Dune movies, has opened more collaboration opportunities that could transfer well to Bond. The greatest possibility would be Rebecca Ferguson, whose acting style could easily be transplanted to a role like M.

Florence Pugh, who had a part in Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, could be a great Bond girl. She is another experienced action star who has gained popularity in the last few years. Other Villeneuve collaborators who are strong candidates to appear in a Bond movie include Josh Brolin and Emily Blunt.

Any of these actors would be a great addition to Bond 26. The franchise still wants to prioritize British actors to play James Bond, and if this logic is extended to the cast more broadly, it could be a point in favor of actors like Blunt and Pugh.