A fictional British espionage icon created by Ian Fleming, spanning novels, films and a vast cultural footprint.
A wave of Chinese automakers is expanding into Europe and the UK, challenging traditional premium brands. Zeekr, BYD and others are pursuing UK launches while major players like Geely, Volvo and Lucid push into premium segments. European and US automakers are restructuring to cope with China’s rising export power and shifting supply chains.
The James Bond casting search has intensified, with frontrunners narrowing and new bets shifting as producers pace the process amid a flurry of interviews and public speculation.
Theo James has ruled himself out of the upcoming Bond race, saying he is too old for the role. Producers are considering a slate of actors, including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Jack Lowden, with an announcement potential by year-end. Amy Pascal confirms a careful, methodical casting process as the search continues.
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has expressed interest in playing the next Bond villain, as odds narrow on the star of Slow Horses, Letitia Wright’s successor, to take the 007 mantle. Ronan says she is “dead serious” about a villain part, while Emilia Lowden continues to be mentioned as a frontrunner for Bond. The pair would become the first married couple to work opposite each other in a Bond film if cast.
The Oasis documentary Don’t Look Back in Anger chronicles the 2025 reunion tour, capturing Liam and Noel Gallagher’s reconciliation and the emotional response from fans in Cardiff. Directors Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern show how music bridged a 15-year rift, culminating in a two-hour set that resonated across generations.
A Bristol-born team has produced Doctor Who: Outlander, a fan-driven film set around John F. Kennedy’s era. The project, created with students and professionals, has been shot in Bristol and Bath and premieres in Cardiff as the crew aims to keep the Doctor Who spark alive after the 2026 Christmas special was cancelled.
The Bond franchise is being rebooted with a new lead actor. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the 26th film, with Amy Pascal, David Heyman, and Denis Villeneuve directing. Casting choices are being narrowed, and producers aim to maintain continuity with Fleming’s universe while introducing a refreshed icon for a new era.
The Bloody Scotland festival announces Frances Crawford as the first to win both the Debut Prize and the McIlvanney Prize in the event's history. Denise Mina lends support by handing a trophy, while a misstep with a second trophy prompts a green‑room moment before Crawford takes both prizes. The festival also reveals its packed weekend lineup of crime authors and events.
Tesla has unveiled the second-generation Roadster with thruster-assisted demos in McGregor, Texas. Production is set for 2028, deposits remain, and regulators are weighing airspace and road-use rules for a car that could redefine driving.
Final screen tests are underway in London for the next James Bond. Actors including Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are in final contention, with stunts, camera presence and dialogue assessed. Denys Villeneuve will direct; Steven Knight writes the script. Publication window remains tight as Amazon MGM Studios and producers eye a 2028 release.
A wave of continuation novels and reboots has revived interest in Sherlock Holmes, with Nick Harkaway and Kim Sherwood extending Ian Fleming’s and John le Carré’s legacies. The discussion spans adaptions, authenticity, and the balance between homage and original storytelling.