According to Variety, stage actor Tom Francis has reportedly auditioned for James Bond in Bond 26, and the mere fact he’s in the mix feels like a small victory for avid James Bond fans. With just a single film credit to his name but a strong West End pedigree, Francis fits the sought after “unknown” identity to take on the role of 007.

It’s a single checkbox checked out of several, but also at 26 (nice number…destiny?), he also lands neatly in the ideal range for a younger, long-term Bond. I can’t endorse Francis either way, but the fact that his audition occurred is encouraging and suggests the producers are at least acknowledging discovery rather than just star power. And if Francis is getting a look, one has to imagine a wider net quietly sweeping through theatre circles and lesser-known movie talent in search of the next breakout Bond.

For fans wary of an overly familiar face stepping into the tux, that alone is reason for cautious optimism.