Next James Bond Screen Tests Reportedly Underway with Final Contenders

Amazon MGM Studios and director Denis Villeneuve are reportedly conducting final screen tests in London over the weekend to determine the next actor to play James Bond in the long-running film franchise, according to reports from The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter.

London Screen Tests Underway for Finalists

The auditions taking place on a soundstage in London feature a very select group of actors undergoing a three-part evaluation process, according to reports citing sources from The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. The tests consist of stunt choreography, camera presence, and dialogue delivery to find a successor to Daniel Craig, who left the role after the 2021 release of No Time to Die.

Reports diverge regarding the exact number of finalists remaining in contention. While The Guardian and Deadline place the finalist count between three and five actors, Yahoo News Singapore reported that the search is down to just two candidates.

Contenders and Exclusions in the Casting Process

The shortlist of actors participating in the weekend auditions includes Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor, according to reporting by Empire and The Hollywood Reporter. Vulture noted that all three confirmed finalists are 36 years old.

Trade reports have also clarified several notable omissions from the current casting round. Despite widespread online speculation, Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell are not participating in the screen tests, The Hollywood Reporter stated.

Creative Direction and Studio Position

Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to the franchise as part of an $8.45 billion deal in 2022 and subsequently purchased creative control from the Broccoli family, The Guardian reported. Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the upcoming film, titled Bond 26, with a script written by Steven Knight.

Studio executives have urged fans to exercise caution regarding timelines. Courtenay Valenti, Amazon’s head of film, stated in April that the casting decision is being handled with care. Studio representatives referred inquiries to an earlier statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter: 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.

More on James Bond: Judi Dench Reveals the James Bond Film She Found Most Challenging

I want to go dark. I said that I wanted to be a Bond villain and I’m dead serious.

Saoirse Ronan