Before the tuxedos, before the martinis, before the 007 designation — James Bond is heading back to his teenage years in a brand-new full-cast audio drama series. Ian Fleming Publications Ltd and Big Finish Productions have officially announced Young Bond, a cinematic audio adaptation of SilverFin, kicking off in September 2026. The new range will adapt the previously published Young Bond novels by Charlie Higson, beginning with SilverFin, the first book in the series originally released in 2005. Higson is also serving as a consultant on the project, ensuring the teenage 007 remains sharp, witty, and unmistakably Bond. Even if he’s not quite on the vodka martinis yet.

Director Barnaby Edwards describes the adaptation as a full-scale production:

“When I was first approached to adapt and direct SilverFin – in an email headed, naturally, ‘For Your Eyes Only’ – I could barely contain my excitement. I’m a huge Bond fan and the opportunity to tell the story of how Bond became Bond was too good to miss.”

He added that the production will span 16 half-hour episodes — roughly eight hours — featuring cinematic sound design and a brand-new orchestral score by composer Joe Kraemer. In Edwards’ words, they’re aiming for “an eight-hour action epic packed with thrills and spills.” Like Bond himself, the production team is pushing the limits. “After all, when it comes to James Bond, the world is not enough,” Edwards teased.

Who Will Play Young James Bond?

Big Finish is officially launching the hunt for a new teenage Bond, along with Wilder Lawless, inviting submissions from actors’ representatives. Details about the roles and casting requirements will be published on youngbondadventures.com. Producer Robert Valentine called it “a thrilling assignment” and praised Edwards’ adaptation as “a full-blooded, action-packed audio adventure — set in the 1930s but still bang up to date.” Chairman Jason Haigh-Ellery shared his own origin story with the character, recalling discovering Bond at just eight years old during a cinema double bill of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Diamonds Are Forever. “Let the adventures begin!” he said.

The first release, SilverFin, will drop in September 2026, with pre-orders unlocking instant digital access via the Big Finish app on release day.

via Collider