Patrick Gibson Cast as New James Bond in 007: First Light

Irish actor Patrick Gibson, best known for playing young Dexter in Dexter: Original Sin, is very likely to portray young James Bond in the upcoming video game 007: First Light by IO Interactive. While official confirmation is still pending, all evidence points to this talented actor becoming the face of the next generation of Agent 007.

Who is Patrick Gibson and Why Him?

Patrick Gibson is a 30-year-old Irish actor born on April 19, 1995, in Dublin. His acting career began in childhood with roles in television series like The Tudors (2009), followed by performances in The Passing Bells (2014), the phenomenal series The OA (2016-2019), The White Princess (2017), and most recently in Shadow and Bone (2023). Gibson started studying philosophy at Trinity College Dublin but left school midway through his studies in 2016 after landing a role in The OA.

Currently, Gibson is best known for his role as young Dexter Morgan in the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin, where his portrayal of the psychopathic serial killer has received excellent reviews. "It's great craic, honestly," says the Irish actor. "Which is kind of insane to say... I don't think about what I'm doing until I reflect on it and I'm like, 'I just sliced someone into pieces today and didn't think twice about it.'"

Bond Role Speculation Reaches Its Peak

Fans began speculating that Gibson would portray young James Bond practically immediately after the release of the first trailer for 007: First Light. The young, smirking Bond looks remarkably similar to Dexter: New Blood actor Patrick Gibson. The resemblance is indeed striking - both men have similar facial features, body structure, and characteristic smile.

"I clocked it THE SECOND I saw the dirty smirk of his," wrote one 007 enthusiast on Reddit, while another commented: "Watching the trailer and knew the face looked familiar. After about a minute or so I screamed 'DEXTER.'"

Gibson Confirmed Working on Video Games

In an interview with Emmy magazine, Gibson confirmed that he is currently working on a video game, without revealing which game it is. Gibson revealed that the actors' resemblance "definitely came up" on set. "I feel very lucky to resemble him somewhat," he said. "It definitely helps in getting a role where you're playing the same guy," Gibson confessed.

What Will 007: First Light Offer?

The game 007: First Light from IO Interactive (creators of the Hitman series) will be a third-person action-adventure game focusing on an original young James Bond story. In 007 First Light, Bond starts as a naval air crewman when, against all odds, an audacious act of bravery propels him into MI6's most challenging training program. This training, coupled with his natural instinct, wits, and heart, will see him grow into a fully-fledged spy.

Younger Bond Than Ever Before

This is Bond as you've never seen him - the youngest Bond fans have ever met. In 007 First Light, at only 26 years old, he isn't the fully fledged 007 you know from the tux-and-martini days but a man with sharp instincts, sometimes reckless, who is still learning when to fight, when to bluff, and when to disappear into the shadows.

The game will feature:

• World travel - from snow-drenched mountains to sun-soaked beaches
• Classic Bond characters - M, Q, Moneypenny
• New characters - including Greenway, Bond's mentor
• Spy gadgets and luxury vehicles
• Combination of action and stealth mechanics

Why Gibson Makes Sense as Bond?

Patrick Gibson isn't just another acting face. His versatility is evident from the diversity of roles he's played - from historical dramas to sci-fi and psychological thrillers. Gibson, the 29-year-old Ireland-born actor who broke big in The OA and starred in The Darkest Minds and Shadow & Bone, is a very cool customer. He's not at all squeamish, instead finding the filming of the gruesome kill scenes to be rather therapeutic.

Physical Resemblance to Original Bond

Gibson told PEOPLE that although audiences "know Dexter to be this seasoned, slick, well-versed serial killer, the Dexter that we made in Original Sin has not perfected the art of the kill yet." This ability to show character development is crucial for the role of young Bond.

Technical Details and Release

007: First Light will be released in 2026 on the following platforms:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC (Steam)
• Nintendo Switch 2

IO Interactive says that 007 First Light is "definitely not a reskin" of Hitman despite their similarities. The game will emphasize more action compared to Hitman's critical planning and stealth gameplay.

Future of Bond Film Series

Interestingly, speculation about Gibson as an actor in the video game intersects with discussions about who will be the next film Bond. Ongoing speculation has been rife over who will take on the role as the next 007, with Theo James emerging as the latest frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig. Bookmakers BetMGM have placed him as the 6/4 favourite to take on the iconic role.

What to Expect from IO Interactive Showcase?

IO Interactive studio plans a more detailed showcase during Summer Game Fest 2025, where we'll learn more about 007: First Light. More details about 007 First Light are expected at the IOI Showcase on Friday, June 7th at 2:00 BST, where the developer may finally confirm the game's cast. The showcase promises to reveal gameplay footage, following yesterday's trailer which primarily featured cutscenes with brief glimpses of shooting and melee combat.

Conclusion: A New Era for James Bond?

Patrick Gibson represents the ideal choice for a new generation of James Bond. He has acting talent proven in challenging roles, physical resemblance to the iconic character, and the ability to portray complex characters with psychological depth. His work in Dexter: Original Sin showed that he can work with characters who balance between light and dark - exactly what Bond needs.

If speculation proves true, Gibson could become the face of a new trilogy of Bond games from IO Interactive, and perhaps even inspiration for future film adaptations. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak expressed in an interview with IGN that he wished for 007 First Light to lead into a potential trilogy of James Bond video games, citing the decision to create a new, younger version of the character for gaming audiences to "call their own and grow with."

The wait for official confirmation continues, but all signs point to Patrick Gibson being ready to take on the mantle of the world's most famous secret agent - at least in the world of video games.

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FAQ

Q: Is Patrick Gibson officially confirmed as James Bond in 007: First Light?
A: No, IO Interactive has not officially confirmed the casting yet, but all evidence strongly points to Gibson.

Q: When will 007: First Light be released?
A: The game is scheduled for release in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Q: Will the game be a direct continuation of the films or a standalone story?
A: It's a completely original standalone story developed in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.

Q: What's the difference between this game and the Hitman series from the same studio?
A: While both games are from IO Interactive, 007: First Light will emphasize more action and be less analytical than Hitman.

Q: How did Patrick Gibson get the role?
A: It hasn't been officially confirmed yet, but speculation arose due to physical resemblance to the game character and his confirmation of working on an unspecified video game.