WATCH: Jonathan Bailey just made his biggest pitch to be the next James Bond

By Johnny Lopez

Since then, the James Bond casting rumors have been circulating naming nearly every handsome star in Hollywood. In May, Amazon MGM Studios finally took the next step in the casting process.

“The search for the next James Bond is underway,” a rep said in a statement. “While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”

While speculation has fallen on everyone from Jacob Elordi and Aaron Taylor-Johnson to Callum Turner and Regé-Jean Page, the LGBTQ+ community would love to see a gay Bond inhabit the world of international intrigue.

Say it with me, Bailey. Jonathan Bailey.

But it’s not just a queer kid fantasy to have the next Bond be gay. We may have just gotten the proof we need to show the powers that be why an A-list homo is the right guy for the role.

If anyone can play Bond, it’s the Sexiest Man Alive, right?

While the British Secret Service has yet to enlist his services, Bailey has been named the new Martini Man by Italian aperitivo brand MARTINI® to introduce a new era of the iconic libation.

Bailey appears in new images and video flaunting his leading-man glamour alongside the brand’s trademark cultural appeal. We’re shaken and stirred!

The campaign video immediately gives off Bond vibes, with Bailey arriving “on the sun-drenched coast just outside Venice to undertake a series of stylish initiations designed to unlock the art of sprezzatura: the effortless confidence and attitude synonymous with MARTINI and Italian culture,” reads the official release.

From the second the 38-year-old actor pops out from behind-the-wheel of an original 1970s MARTINI Racing car, all eyes are on JB.

“The roll of the Martini Man is reserved only for the most charismatic of figures,” a voiceover begins. “Which naturally lead us to you.”

Making an entrance. Timeless style. And a smouldering look. Three key elements that are crucial for the role that Bailey just so happens to possess in spades.

Bellissimo!

Bailey is clearly having a blast living his best Italian life in the campaign.

“Stepping into the iconic role of The MARTINI Man is an honor,” the Wicked star said in a statement. “It’s incredibly exciting to me because it’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone, finding confidence in yourself and living joyfully. It’s about bringing that exhilarating spark of Italian style to everyday moments.”

There’s no doubt Bailey is the perfect Martini Man. But someone alert the bigwigs at Amazon MGM, because (and no offense to the Elordis-Taylor-Johnsons of the world) they will not be getting a better James Bond audition reel than this!

Substitute Italian style for some Briitsh swagger and Bailey’s irresistible charm and cunningness could take down any spy ring, cyberterrorist, or AI program gone rogue.

Bailey has yet to seriously comment on Bond casting rumors. When Jimmy Fallon addressed the topic in November 2025, Bailey shrugged it off by saying, “Only if you’re by my side. Will you be my Moneypenny,” a reference to the secretary of the head of MI6 in the Bond series.

However the 007 casting plays out, let it be known Bailey always has the queer community’s back. As part of their partnership, MARTINI is supporting The Shameless Fund, who provide funding to LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations through creative collaborations.

Until new official casting updates are released, it’s Bailey’s role to lose.

Watch Jonathan Bailey become Bond the Martini Man in the full campaign video below:

Source: https://www.queerty.com/watch-jonathan-bailey-just-made-his-biggest-pitch-to-be-the-next-james-bond-20260609/