What if the next James Bond ordered soju or a cup of chai instead of a martini? Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the upcoming Bond film will mark the franchise’s 26th title. With everyone speculating over the next 007 after Daniel Craig, the idea of a fresh face from Asia feels more exciting than ever. As such, we take a look at the Asian actors who we think could portray James Bond with an ethnic twist.
Fittingly, we begin with Lee Byung-hun, the South Korean actor whose quiet intensity makes him a top contender to play 007. Lee’s appearance in Squid Game (2021-2025) as The Front Man, the masked overseer of the deadly games, left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Additionally, he has been both a global and domestic powerhouse for decades. From his Baeksang-winning turn in Iris (2009), where he played a covert agent, to his sleek Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) and G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), he has consistently delivered stylish action. One of the best Asian actors who could play James Bond, Lee brings a cool, commanding presence, as if he were born to wear the tux and complete the mission.
Interestingly, in a June 2025 interview with LADbible Entertainment, Lee Byung-hun was asked about stepping into the Bond universe. “Being in a 007 movie is a huge honour,” he shared and added he has admired 007 films since the Sean Connery and Roger Moore days and would gladly take on the role.
Other notable Asian actors who we believe could take on the role of James Bond — like they were made for the role — include Dev Patel, Gong Yoo, Saif Ali Khan, Jackson Yee and Donnie Yen.
Asian actors who have what it takes to bring James Bond to life
1 /8
Origin: South Korean
Why he fits: Lee could bring a near-perfect balance of restraint and intensity to the role. His mastery of subtle emotional control, seen in movies and TV shows like A Bittersweet Life (2005), Inside Men (2015), I Saw the Devil (2010), Mr. Sunshine (2018) and Squid Game (2021-2025), allows him to command a scene without uttering a word.
The South Korean celebrity navigates the spectrum between hero and anti-hero with ease, making him ideal for Bond’s morally grey territory.
(Image credit: Lee Byung-hun/Instagram)
2 /8
Origin: British-Indian
Why he fits: Dev Patel stepped confidently into action with The Last Airbender (2010), The Green Knight (2021) and Monkey Man (2024). In Monkey Man, which was also his directorial debut, Patel brought intense physicality and emotional weight, proving he can carry both grit and soul.
While Patel may not be the obvious Bond, he could surprise everyone, much like Robert Pattinson did with The Batman (2022), silencing all doubt and redefining the role. With the right script, he has the right charisma, edge and emotional depth to outdo expectations.
3 /8
Origin: South Korean
Why he fits: Gong Yoo carries elegance and grit in equal measure. His spy role in the action movie The Suspect (2013) proved he can handle physicality and inner turmoil. Additionally, Train to Busan (2016) and The Silent Sea (2021) highlighted his calm command in chaos.
Meanwhile, Squid Game (2021–2025) earned him widespread recognition for the brief but powerful portrayal of The Salesman. As the character’s backstory unfolded in season 2, Gong Yoo further showcased how effortlessly he could play someone manipulative yet magnetic and always in control — the perfect mix for a modern Bond.
4 /8
Origin: British-Malaysian
Why he fits: Crazy Rich Asians fame Henry Golding has the suave accent, charisma and screen presence that Bond demands. Additionally, with the American superhero film Snake Eyes (2021), the Asian actor further proved that he could also shine in high-intensity action. With his global appeal and effortless sophistication, Golding could give us a Bond who feels both classic and contemporary.
Interestingly, Golding has been a fan favourite to play the spy next. He addressed the buzz in a conversation with RadioTimes in May 2025. While he said, “It’s a privilege to be in any conversation for a property like that. Whatever happens, I’m excited as a big fan of that series, to see how they kind of expand it”, he also opined that he doesn’t believe there should be “pressure to change the ethnicity” of the character.
(Image credit: Henry Golding/Instagram)
5 /8
Origin: Indian
Why he fits: Saif Ali Khan carries a natural blend of charm and sharp intensity. This balance is seen in some of his popular action movies like Race (2008), Race 2 (2013) and the sleek spy thriller Agent Vinod (2012). Meanwhile, in Ek Hasina Thi (2004) and Omkara (2006), Khan explored morally grey territory with chilling precision.
Interestingly, many fans have long drawn visual parallels between Khan and Daniel Craig — from their chiselled features to their composed, confident stride. That resemblance, paired with Khan’s screen presence, makes him surprisingly apt for a Bond reimagination.
(Image credit: IMDb)
6 /8
Origin: Chinese
Why he fits: Yee combines a charming screen presence with remarkable emotional control. Whether playing the guarded, loyal teen Xiao Bei in Better Days (2019) or the resilient soldier Wu in The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021), he demonstrates a rare ability to switch between vulnerability and quiet resolve. Yee’s subtlety and disciplined physicality could make him a compelling, younger Bond.
(Image credit: IMDb)
7 /8
Origin: Hong Kong
Why he fits: Donnie Yen is a martial arts icon with unmatched physical discipline, speed and control. With roles in Ip Man (2008), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), Yen brings an effortless authority to action.
Yen could easily handle Bond’s combat-heavy side. However, his limited exposure in more dialogue-driven roles may not fully align with Bond’s suave duality. Nonetheless, for a more combat-oriented reimagining of 007, Yen remains an intriguing contender.
8 /8
Origin: Indian
Why he fits: Hrithik Roshan has the action credentials and undeniable screen presence that a role like Bond demands. Movies like Bang Bang! (2014) and War (2019) allowed him to embody the agility, suaveness and precision of a globe-trotting spy.
However, Bond’s cool restraint, subtle emotions, and quietly charged energy are a different kind of challenge. While he may visually fit high-octane remakes once headlined by Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper and Tom Cruise, the Bond persona demands a quieter command. Nevertheless, with the right direction, Roshan could surprise.
(Image credit: Hrithik Roshan/Instagram)
