Léa Seydoux has candidly reflected on her journey as Madeleine Swann in the James Bond series, marking the end of her tenure in the iconic role. Speaking with PEOPLE at the premiere of ‘Gentle Monster’ at the London Film Festival on 10 October 2026, Seydoux expressed a sense of closure regarding her involvement with the franchise, stating, “I really loved being part of this franchise, but now it’s … done.”
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The actress, now 41, became known for her strong portrayal of Bond girl Madeleine Swann in the recent iteration of the franchise, alongside Daniel Craig’s iconic performance as 007. Seydoux’s character, a psychiatrist linked to the mysterious Mr White, created a significant arc that evolved over two films—‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. During her time in the franchise, she aimed to give her character depth, previously describing Swann as a “strong character” whom audiences would remember.
Despite her fond memories, Seydoux revealed that she has no preference for who might take up the mantle of James Bond next. When questioned about potential successors, she appeared indifferent, remarking, “I don’t really care, to be honest. That’s not my … It’s over.” This statement comes amid ongoing speculation and discussions within the film industry about who will follow in Craig’s footsteps after his five-film run concluded in 2021.
In the wake of Craig’s departure, the search for the next 007 is well underway. Amazon MGM Studios recently announced that the casting process has “just begun,” indicating that a creative team has been established to shape the future of the Bond films. The franchise, renowned for its action-packed sequences and charismatic lead, continues to capture the attention of audiences around the world.
Numerous actors have been rumoured as potential candidates for the coveted role of Bond, from rising stars to established names such as Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Henry Cavill. Others in the conversation include Idris Elba, Rege-Jean Page, and Paul Mescal. Each contender brings a different dynamic to the table, reflecting the continued evolution of the character created by British author Ian Fleming in his 1953 novel, ‘Casino Royale’.
The legacy of James Bond has spanned decades, originally brought to life by Sean Connery in the 1962 film ‘Dr. No’. Since then, the character has been portrayed by various actors, including Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently, Daniel Craig. As the franchise heads into a new era, the selection of the next 007 comes with high expectations from both fans and critics alike.
While Seydoux embraces her departure from the series, she has certainly left her mark alongside other notable Bond girls. Her contribution to the franchise stylistically evolved the portrayal of female characters in Bond films, moving away from traditional tropes. Alongside her, actresses such as Caterina Murino, Eva Green, and Ana de Armas have successfully carved out strong identities in their roles.
As excitement builds around the upcoming films in the series, the decisions regarding casting and creative direction will likely shape the future of the iconic franchise. Fans will be watching closely to see how the next chapter unfolds in the world of James Bond, underscoring the ongoing relevance of Fleming’s creation in contemporary cinema.
With the world eagerly anticipating the next Bond film, Léa Seydoux’s reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact the franchise has had on its stars and audiences alike. As one chapter closes, another waits to be opened, continuing the legacy of one of cinema’s most enduring characters.