Report Claims One Actor Has Already Screen-Tested for the Next James Bond

Fans have been eagerly waiting to find out who will take over as the next James Bond. For years, speculation has run wild, and now there’s a new name in the mix that might actually have screen-tested for the role.

According to Rambling, a source close to the production claims that Scott Rose-Marsh, a 37-year-old redheaded actor, was brought in to read for the part. Rose-Marsh’s biggest credits so far include Krays: Code of Silence and Wolves of War.

The source says he was called in sometime in late June to read lines from 1995’s GoldenEye, likely for newly hired director Denis Villeneuve. He may also have read parts of the script that Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is working on for Bond 26.

“He was given just one piece of direction before the test cameras rolled: Don’t impersonate a previous Bond,” the source told Rambling.

If true, Rose-Marsh’s screen test could challenge the theory that Amazon, which bought the 007 franchise this year for an estimated $1 billion, is looking to cast a much younger actor to attract a new generation of fans.

Neither Rose-Marsh’s publicist nor Amazon responded to requests for comment. But there’s one obvious potential issue: his hair. There has never been a redheaded James Bond. For context, Daniel Craig’s blond hair caused a stir back in 2005 when he was first cast.

The next Bond movie, often referred to as Bond 26, has been slow to develop for years. But this year, things have changed dramatically. Longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have stepped aside, giving Amazon full creative control. David Heyman and Amy Pascal will produce the film. Pascal has worked with Tom Holland on the Spider-Man movies and also produced Casino Royale. Tom Holland is one of the main candidates for the role.

Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Prisoners, is directing the movie, and Steven Knight is writing the script. Beyond that, no release date, title, or confirmed actor has been announced. Daniel Craig’s last Bond film, No Time To Die, came out in 2021, leaving fans guessing ever since. Actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been mentioned, but nothing is official.

For now, Scott Rose-Marsh is the latest actor rumored to step into the legendary tuxedo, and fans will be watching closely to see if he really is the next 007.

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