Final James Bond Screen Tests Begin in London as Amazon Nears 007 Decision
Amazon MGM Studios is conducting final screen tests for the next James Bond in London this week, with a shortlist reportedly including Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor. The decision is expected by year's end, following a months-long casting process overseen by director Denis Villeneuve and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman.
Key points
- Screen tests for the next James Bond are scheduled to begin as early as Friday and continue through the next week at Pinewood Studios in London.
- The final shortlist reportedly includes three to five actors, with Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor widely cited as primary contenders.
- The tests evaluate candidates on stunts, camera presence, and dialogue, with a final decision expected by the end of 2026.
- Amazon MGM Studios, which gained creative control of the franchise in 2022, has not confirmed the full list of finalists or the outcome of the tests.
- The next Bond film is directed by Denis Villeneuve, with a script by Steven Knight, and is positioned for a 2028 release.
Background
The search for the next James Bond began in spring 2026 after Amazon MGM Studios announced casting director Nina Gold was joining the project. The process involved multiple rounds of auditions, with the first round taking place in August and the final group narrowed in September. Daniel Craig retired from the role in 2021 after starring in No Time to Die, and the franchise has been under Amazon's creative control since 2022.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline confirm the final screen tests are underway, with THR noting the emotional toll on unsuccessful candidates and Deadline emphasizing the thoroughness of Amazon's process. The Guardian highlights the uncertainty around the full list of finalists, noting that Jack O'Connell and Jacob Elordi are not testing, while HuffPost UK suggests Elordi may still be in contention. Slate offers an opinion-based perspective, arguing that Callum Turner is the ideal choice due to his conventional attractiveness and lack of high-profile alternative projects, contrasting him with Josh O'Connor and Jack Lowden, who are seen as more versatile talents.
Why it matters
The next James Bond is one of the most coveted roles in cinema, and the decision will shape the franchise's future for years. The involvement of Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, and the script by Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, signals a potential shift in tone and style for the series. The outcome will also impact the careers of the finalists, with some, like Callum Turner, potentially being tied up for a decade, while others, like Josh O'Connor and Jack Lowden, may continue pursuing diverse roles.
What to watch
A final decision on the next James Bond is expected by the end of 2026, following the completion of screen tests. The next Bond film is positioned for a 2028 release, with Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing the script. Amazon MGM Studios has not announced a timeline for the announcement but has indicated it will share news with fans when appropriate.
- You Only Audition Twice: Watch Henry Cavill, James Brolin, Sam Neill and Others Screen-Test for James Bond The Hollywood Reporter
- Final James Bond Screen Tests Set: Who's On List? Deadline
- James Bond finalists to screen-test for role this week – reports The Guardian
- Jacob Elordi Won’t Screen Test for James Bond as Callum Turner and Jack Lowden Make the Cut (Report) People.com
- Who Should Be the Next James Bond? There’s a Boring Answer—and That’s Why It’s the Right One. Slate
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