In a whirlwind of headlines and viral speculation, Irish actress Jessie Buckley has found herself at the center of two of Hollywood’s most talked-about projects—one very real, and the other, it turns out, not so much. As the dust settles from an April Fool’s Day media storm, fans and industry insiders alike are sorting fact from fiction regarding Buckley’s latest career moves, which span from a daring literary adaptation to a supposed history-making turn as James Bond.
Let’s start with the headline that’s very much grounded in reality: on April 1, 2026, Buckley, fresh from her Academy Award win for Best Actress in Hamnet, officially joined the cast of Three Incestuous Sisters. This ambitious film adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s 2005 illustrated novel brings together a constellation of critical and commercial talent. Alongside Buckley, the production stars Dakota Johnson and Saoirse Ronan, both celebrated for their own bold and nuanced performances. Josh O’Connor, known for La Chimera and his collaborations with director Alice Rohrwacher, rounds out the primary cast, promising an ensemble of rare chemistry and depth.
According to Deadline, Buckley’s addition to the project marks a significant milestone in her already stellar career. After a run of acclaimed performances, including the recent The Bride, Buckley’s momentum shows no sign of slowing. “Her addition strengthens an already stellar ensemble cast,” the outlet reported, emphasizing the industry buzz surrounding this announcement.
The film will be helmed by Alice Rohrwacher, the visionary Italian director who previously worked with O’Connor on La Chimera. Rohrwacher’s signature style—marked by visual beauty and emotional authenticity—has made her one of Europe’s most exciting filmmakers. As The Playlist notes, Three Incestuous Sisters will be a loose adaptation, crafted in partnership with novelist Ottessa Moshfegh, promising a cinematic experience that’s as artistically daring as its source material.
Filming is set to begin in April 2026, and anticipation is high. The convergence of Oscar-winning talent, acclaimed performers, and a director known for sophisticated storytelling has the film world abuzz. Will this adaptation live up to its promise? Only time will tell, but the early signs suggest a project that could redefine how literary works are brought to the big screen.
But as one headline was making waves for all the right reasons, another story was spreading like wildfire—one that, as it turns out, was too good (or too cheeky) to be true. On the same day as Buckley’s casting announcement for Three Incestuous Sisters, social media and entertainment sites erupted with news that she had also been cast as the next James Bond. According to reports from outlets like Euronews and Yahoo Entertainment, Buckley was set to become the seventh official 007 and the first woman ever to take on the iconic role, with James Bond 26 to be directed by Denis Villeneuve under Amazon MGM Studios.
Fans were, understandably, electrified. The idea of Buckley stepping into the shoes of James Bond—following in the footsteps of Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, and others—seemed both groundbreaking and overdue. The supposed announcement even came with tantalizing details: a new Bond novel titled King Zero by Charlie Higson (set for release on September 24, 2026), a plot involving global conspiracies and a formidable new villain, and a promise that the film would blend classic Bond action with modern storytelling. The narrative painted a picture of a franchise boldly stepping into the future, with Buckley at its helm.
But as quickly as the rumors spread, skepticism set in. Was this really happening, or was there something fishy about the timing? As Yahoo Entertainment was quick to clarify, the story was, in fact, an elaborate April Fool’s Day prank orchestrated by Euronews. The prank article, written in a satirical tone, was designed to fool readers on April 1—and fool them it did, at least for a while. “Buckley would be an inspired pick to play 007, but her casting is not real. It’s just a joke,” the Yahoo Entertainment piece explained, urging readers to “keep your head on a swivel!” on a day notorious for playful media mischief.
So, to set the record straight: as of April 1, 2026, Jessie Buckley is not the new James Bond. There has been no official announcement regarding the next actor to don the tuxedo and Walther PPK. The prank, while clever and certainly headline-grabbing, was just that—a joke to mark the first day of April. As Yahoo Entertainment put it, “The article confirms Jessie Buckley is not the new James Bond and that the new Bond actor has not yet been announced.”
Still, the episode speaks volumes about Buckley’s rising star. That so many people found the idea of her as Bond not only plausible but thrilling is a testament to her versatility and the hunger for fresh takes on beloved franchises. Buckley, after all, has built a reputation for tackling complex, emotionally rich roles across film, television, and stage. Her recent Oscar win for Hamnet only cemented her status as one of the most talented performers of her generation. If the Bond producers are looking for a bold new direction, Buckley’s name is likely at the top of many wish lists—even if, for now, it’s just the stuff of April Fool’s dreams.
Meanwhile, the world of James Bond continues to turn. While the prank may have temporarily stolen the spotlight, there are genuine developments on the horizon for the franchise. The upcoming Bond novel King Zero by Charlie Higson is set for a September 2026 release, promising high-stakes espionage and a “most distinctive villain since Goldfinger.” Higson, who previously penned the Young Bond series and the novella On His Majesty’s Secret Service, returns to adult Bond fiction with this new entry, which will be published by Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK and Commonwealth. Pre-orders are already open, and the book is expected to be a must-read for Bond aficionados and casual fans alike.
As for the next James Bond film, details remain closely guarded. James Bond 26 is rumored to be helmed by Denis Villeneuve, with Amazon MGM Studios overseeing production. The plot, cast, and release date are all still under wraps, but industry sources suggest a late 2026 or 2027 premiere. Until then, speculation will no doubt continue—and perhaps so will the pranks.
For Jessie Buckley, the real story is just beginning. With Three Incestuous Sisters set to start filming and her profile higher than ever, she’s poised for another transformative year. Whether on screen as a complex literary heroine or, someday, as a boundary-breaking Bond, Buckley’s next act is sure to keep audiences guessing—and watching.