Here Are the Actors Who Have Reportedly Screen-Tested for James Bond

Few casting sagas in Hollywood have dragged on as long as the search for the next 007. Since Daniel Craig’s final outing in ‘No Time to Die’, fans have endured years of rumors, fan casts and false alarms. Now the James Bond screen tests are reportedly in full swing, and the list of names keeps growing.

Amazon MGM Studios has kept tight control of the process. Denis Villeneuve is directing, Steven Knight is writing the script and casting director Nina Gold is running the search, but the studio has said nothing officially. A Deadline report last year said the filmmakers wanted a relatively unknown young British actor, and Villeneuve was to begin the search once he finished ‘Dune: Part Three’.

That plan appears to have shifted. According to the latest reports, Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult are among the stars who have screen-tested for the role. They join Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor, who were previously named as likely finalists.

Actors who have reportedly screen-tested for the role of James Bond: • Robert Pattinson • Nicholas Hoult • Callum Turner • Jack Lowden • Josh O’Connor https://t.co/c3N0SHbt44

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) November 7, 2026

The screen tests began in London in late October. Deadline reported that at least 4 test offers had gone out, and The Hollywood Reporter said the process includes 3 elements: camera presence, stunts and dialogue. The tests had originally been due in early October but were reportedly delayed by scheduling conflicts.

Not every rumored name made the cut. The Hollywood Reporter said that Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell, who had both been linked to the part, were not among those testing.

It is also a ritual with some history. Reports say the final round of tests for ‘Casino Royale’ 20 years ago came down to Daniel Craig, Henry Cavill and Sam Worthington, and Craig won.

Variety reported that the 2 newest names are the kind of A-list talent few expected to see in the mix. Pattinson plays Batman for DC Studios and is an alum of both ‘Twilight’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Hoult plays Lex Luthor in DC’s Superman films and starred in the ‘X-Men’ prequel trilogy.

Pattinson also appears in ‘Dune: Part Three’, which gives him an existing working relationship with Villeneuve. Hoult’s inclusion could create a headache for DC, since he is one of the main stars of ‘Man of Tomorrow’ next year and is expected to return for a third Superman movie.

The same Variety report said Harry Styles has had discussions about the part and that Theo James, who is 41, has not been ruled out. The existing front-runners are all in their mid-30s, so the field now stretches across a wide range of ages and profiles.

The industry’s veterans have been weighing in. Pierce Brosnan told Vanity Fair that he is just an audience member waiting like everyone else, but he praised Turner as “so strong” after working with him. Gary Oldman has publicly backed his ‘Slow Horses’ co-star Lowden, and he has also claimed that the next Bond has already been picked.

George Clooney previously said he hopes Turner lands the role. A separate report claimed a castmate on one of O’Connor’s projects let slip that he had won the part after a night out. That claim remains unconfirmed, and as of November 2 there was no confirmation that anyone had been cast.

The studio has so far been silent on every report. The official announcement of the new 007 is expected before the end of 2026, with production due to begin in 2027. The film is reportedly slated for 2028, though no official release date has been set.

Knight has already confirmed that he has finished a first draft of the script, so the script is waiting on its leading man. With the tests reportedly done, the wait for a name may finally be nearing its end.

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