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James Bond screen tests under way in London as studio narrows field
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In brief
Screen tests for the next James Bond began this weekend in London, with Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor reported among the finalists. Amazon MGM Studios, which now controls the franchise, has not confirmed any names and says it will share casting news "when the time is right."
Screen tests for the next actor to play James Bond started in London this weekend, according to multiple entertainment outlets that have been tracking the long-running casting search for Amazon MGM Studios' 26th Bond film.
Reports name three actors as the leading contenders: Jack Lowden, known for the spy series 'Slow Horses'; Callum Turner, known for the 'Fantastic Beasts' films; and Josh O'Connor, known for playing a young Prince Charles in 'The Crown'. At least one further, unnamed candidate is also said to have been offered a test, while actors Jack O'Connell and Jacob Elordi are reported to no longer be in contention.
What a Bond screen test involves
According to the reports, candidates are being assessed on three elements: stunts, camera presence and dialogue. The tests are reportedly taking place over the weekend and are expected to continue into the following week as scheduling allowed.
The process is described by reports as the first full round of formal screen tests for the role in more than two decades.
No confirmation from the studio
Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed any of the names attached to the tests. In a statement carried by multiple outlets, the studio said casting details would not be discussed while the process is ongoing.
The search for the next James Bond is under way. While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.
Candidates reported to date
| Actor | Known for | Reported status |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Lowden | Slow Horses | Reportedly screen-tested |
| Callum Turner | Fantastic Beasts | Reportedly screen-tested |
| Josh O'Connor | The Crown | Reportedly screen-tested |
| Jack O'Connell | — | Reported as no longer in contention |
| Jacob Elordi | — | Reported as no longer in contention |
Why the search has taken so long
The role has been vacant since Craig's final appearance in 'No Time to Die' (2021), in which the character died. Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the Bond franchise from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, a change reported to have delayed decisions on director, writer and cast.
Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the new film, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. A 2028 release has been reported, though neither a release date nor a lead actor has been officially announced.
What happens next
No timeline for an announcement has been confirmed by the studio.
Questions
- Who is screen-testing for James Bond?
- Reports name Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor as leading candidates, plus at least one undisclosed actor. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed any names.
- What does a James Bond screen test involve?
- According to reports, candidates are assessed on stunts, camera presence and dialogue.
- Who is directing the next James Bond film?
- Denis Villeneuve is set to direct, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing.
- When will the next James Bond movie be released?
- A 2028 release has been reported by entertainment outlets, but no date has been officially confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios.
- Why has casting the new Bond taken so long?
- The role has been open since Daniel Craig's exit in 'No Time to Die' (2021), and Amazon MGM Studios' takeover of creative control from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson has been reported as a factor in the delay.
Sources
- RTÉ — Three actors linked to final James Bond screen tests
- TheWrap — Final James Bond Screen Tests Imminent as Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor Make the Cut
- AOL — James Bond finalists to screen-test for role this week
- The Irish Times — James Bond finalists set to screen-test for role this week
This piece was prepared with artificial intelligence and passed an automated source check before publication. If you see an error, ask for a correction. Request a correction or reply · How we make this
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