Amazon MGM Studios has narrowed its search for the next James Bond to a shortlist of four actors, with final screen tests scheduled in London this weekend. While the studio has yet to confirm a selection, industry reports indicate that Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor are among the finalists.
Finalists Compete in Weekend Screen Tests
The race to replace Daniel Craig, who concluded his tenure as 007 in 2021’s No Time to Die,
has reached its most critical stage. The auditions, which are taking place in London this weekend, follow months of deliberation by producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman and director Denis Villeneuve. The process, which began in the spring, was originally slated for earlier in the month but was pushed to the end of October to accommodate the schedules of the finalists.
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While the studio has not officially released a list of names, multiple outlets have identified Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor as the primary contenders. A fourth, currently unnamed actor is also participating in the sessions. Previous rumors involving actors such as Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell have been dismissed by industry sources, who confirm those individuals are no longer in the running for the role. Other names previously circulating in the rumor mill included Idris Elba and Harris Dickinson, but the current field has been significantly condensed.
Betting Markets Favor Lowden for New Bond Role
As the screen tests begin, betting markets have shifted significantly. Callum Turner follows with 25 percent, while Josh O’Connor sits at 13 percent. Prediction markets, which operate similarly to bookmaking, also show Lowden as the top pick with 64 percent, followed by Turner at 28 percent and O’Connor at 19 percent.
Final auditions to play James Bond are happening this week Callum Turner and Jack Lowden are among the actors auditioning (via @THR) pic.twitter.com/DzGErSXyTB
While no official release date for a casting announcement has been set, producer Amy Pascal has suggested that the end of the year is a likely target for revealing the new Bond. This timeline would conclude what is considered the longest fallow period in the franchise’s 64-year history.
Candidate Profiles and Franchise Strategy
The chosen candidate will succeed a legacy that dates back to Sean Connery’s debut in 1962. Jack Lowden, 36, has gained critical attention for his role in the Apple TV series Slow Horses, while Callum Turner, also 36, has appeared in Masters of the Air and One Night Only. Josh O’Connor, known for his work in The Crown and Challengers, rounds out the trio of widely reported finalists. The screen tests themselves are expected to encompass three main components: stunts, camera presence, and dialogue.
The casting team is operating under a strategy that prioritizes the character’s mysterious nature. This approach mirrors the casting history of Daniel Craig, who was not particularly well known prior to his selection for 2006’s Casino Royale. Industry observers note that the ideal candidate must be able to interact with side characters created for potential spin-offs, ensuring cross-media IP synergy while maintaining a believable edge as a licensed killer.
Production Outlook for Bond 26
Director Denis Villeneuve and screenwriter Steven Knight are tasked with defining the tone of the new era. Production is slated to begin in 2027, with a theatrical release projected for 2028.
Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and a fourth mystery actor are reportedly the finalists to become the next James Bond.Final auditions are currently underway.(https://t.co/OswcE9b6Mk) pic.twitter.com/fYGA4IcNpi
As the search concludes, speculation is also turning toward peripheral roles. For the next “Bond girl” role, betting markets have identified The Substance star Margaret Qualley as a frontrunner with 33 percent odds, followed by Sydney Sweeney and Anya Taylor-Joy at 25 percent. Additionally, as the studio looks to finalize the film’s musical identity, artist Raye is currently favored to write the next theme song, with a 50 percent implied chance.
Jack O'Connell and Jacob Elordi are not in the running to play James Bond.(Source: https://t.co/qTVM4ZWEF4) pic.twitter.com/yRjiJBhkMz
More on Jack Lowden
Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor are among the actors in the mix to be the next James Bond.They are currently doing final auditions.(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/DRGHZuFv2f