Full Breakdown
Next James Bond: Final Screen Tests Narrow the Search
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Final Screen Tests Commence
London’s casting rooms are hosting the last round of screen tests for the next James Bond. Sources confirm that at least three actors—Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor—have received test offers, with a fourth, unnamed candidate also slated to appear. The auditions, beginning Friday and running through the following week, will evaluate each performer on stunts, camera presence and dialogue. Amazon MGM Studios has not disclosed the final decision timeline, but insiders expect an announcement by year-end.
Background & Context
The franchise’s ownership shifted in February 2025 when Amazon MGM Studios purchased the creative rights from the Broccoli family. The studio appointed Denis Villeneuve to helm the next Bond film and Steven Knight to write the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman serve as producers. Daniel Craig’s tenure ended with 2021’s *No Time to Die*, marking the longest gap between Bond releases in the series’ history.
Timeline
- February 2025 – Amazon MGM Studios acquires full creative control of the Bond franchise.
- May 2024 – Amazon confirms the search for a new Bond is underway.
- October 22 – Deadline reports that final screen tests are slated for the weekend.
- Weekend of early October – Screen tests begin in London, featuring the three confirmed actors and a fourth mystery candidate.
Data & Statistics
- Reports vary on the size of the final pool, citing three to five actors.
- At least four test offers have been confirmed.
- The audition format consists of three evaluated elements: stunts, camera presence, and dialogue.
- Villeneuve’s involvement and Knight’s script have been confirmed by trade sources.
Official Statements & Responses
Villeneuve, a self-described “die-hard Bond fan,” said the opportunity to add to the franchise drew him away from his work on *Dune*. Casting director Nina Gold is overseeing the process, and producers Pascal and Heyman described the approach as “methodical.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on several points. Some outlets claim three finalists, while others mention four or five actors in the final stage. The identity of the fourth candidate remains undisclosed, with speculation ranging from a mystery British actor to names such as Jack Barton. Reports also conflict on Jacob Elordi’s status: Variety and The Hollywood Reporter state he is not testing, whereas Euronews initially listed him among the narrowed-down names. No outlet has confirmed who the ultimate frontrunner is, though Lowden’s *Slow Horses* co-star Gary Oldman hinted he is on the shortlist.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond,” — Courtenay Valenti
- “Don’t get too excited. Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.” — Denis Villeneuve
- “It’s very early for that question,” — Callum Turner
- “It’s been rumored that [Lowden] is on the shortlist,” — Gary Oldman