If you're eager to see the next James Bond in action before the official announcement, BritBox has you covered. The 2016 BBC One adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's War & Peace—a six-part epic that boasts not one, not two, but three actors rumored for the iconic 007 role—is coming to the streaming platform in North America on October 5.
The star-studded cast includes Jack Lowden and Callum Turner, both of whom appeared on the latest shortlist for Bond contenders revealed a few weeks ago. They were joined by Jacob Elordi and wildcard Jack Barton on that list, though Amazon MGM has yet to make any formal announcement about the final decision. Director Denis Villeneuve is likely deep in post-production on Dune: Part Three, so it's plausible that a Bond reveal could coincide with that film's December release.
But the Bond connections don't stop there. The third contender in the mix is James Norton, who was once a strong favorite for the role himself. In War & Peace, Norton is among the leads, sharing the screen with Lily James and Paul Dano. The series also features a young Jessie Buckley, Tom Burke, and Aneurin Barnard, with veteran support from Brian Cox, Jim Broadbent, Greta Scacchi, and Gillian Anderson. Tom Harper, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, directed all six episodes.
Upon its release, War & Peace earned a "Certified Fresh" 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus praised its sumptuous visuals and largely faithful adaptation of Tolstoy's sprawling novel, though some critics noted a challenging pace and slight lack of period detail. The series turned a decade old this year, making it a perfect time to revisit or discover for fans of handsome British period dramas and future 007s alike.
For those who enjoy historical epics with a dash of prestige, BritBox's October addition is a must-watch. And if you're looking for more binge-worthy historical dramas, check out Jodie Comer's The White Princess or the WWII thriller Fuze starring Theo James. For a modern crime fix, try Sarah Michelle Gellar's Ringer.
Harper later executive produced another acclaimed limited series set in Russian history, A Gentleman in Moscow, which is available on Paramount+. As for Bond, speculation continues to swirl, but until Amazon MGM makes it official, this Tolstoy adaptation offers a tantalizing glimpse at three potential 007s in one sweeping drama.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on the Bond casting saga and streaming news.
