We expected gadgets. We expected stealth. We did not expect Lenny Kravitz. At The Game Awards 2025, IO Interactive blew the roof off the Peacock Theater with the world premiere trailer for 007 First Light, their highly anticipated James Bond origin story. The biggest surprise? The rock icon himself walked on stage to announce he will be playing the game’s main antagonist, a ruthless pirate ruler named Bawma.
Between the star-studded cast reveal and the confirmed release date, there is a lot to unpack. If you missed the livestream, don’t worry—we have declassified all the intel for you below.
Lenny Kravitz vs. James Bond
The trailer introduced us to the sun-scorched landscapes of Mauritania, where a young James Bond will face his first true test. This isn’t the Bond you know from the movies yet; he is raw, unrefined, and fighting to earn his 00 status. Standing in his way is Bawma, played by Lenny Kravitz.
Kravitz described his character as an “unpredictable pirate ruler” who controls the criminal underworld of West Africa. The footage showed him exuding a menacing, charismatic energy that feels distinct from the typical Blofeld-style megalomaniacs. Seeing the Hitman developers apply their sandbox design philosophy to a villain like this is incredibly exciting.
Release Date and Platforms (Yes, Switch 2!)
Mark your calendars: 007 First Light releases on March 27, 2026. IO Interactive is going wide with this release, confirming launch support for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store).
Perhaps the most interesting tidbit is the confirmation for the Nintendo Switch 2. This is one of the first major third-party AAA titles explicitly confirmed for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, suggesting the new console will have the horsepower to handle IO’s Glacier engine.
The New Face of 007
While Kravitz stole the show, the trailer also gave us another look at Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin), who provides the voice and likeness for this new digital Bond. He is joined by a strong supporting cast including Lennie James as his mentor Greenway, and Alastair Mackenzie as a younger, perhaps less patient Q. The game aims to tell a wholly original story, separating itself from the film timeline entirely.
Conclusion
007 First Light is shaping up to be the spy thriller we have been waiting for since the GoldenEye days. With IO Interactive’s mastery of stealth mechanics and a fresh, star-studded cast, March 2026 can’t come soon enough. We are ready to earn our number.
FAQs
When is 007 First Light coming out?
The game is officially scheduled for release on March 27, 2026.
Who is the villain in 007 First Light?
The main antagonist is a pirate ruler named Bawma, played by musician and actor Lenny Kravitz.
Is this game based on a specific movie?
No, it is an original origin story detailing how James Bond earned his 00 status. It is not tied to the Daniel Craig or Pierce Brosnan timelines.
What platforms will it be on?
It will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2.
Who plays James Bond in the game?
James Bond is portrayed by Irish actor Patrick Gibson.