Final screen tests for the next James Bond are underway in London as Amazon MGM Studios casts the lead for the 26th installment of the franchise. Three British actors are front-runners after months of auditions overseen by director Denis Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold.
Final Auditions in London Target Three Front-Runners
The search for the next 007 has reached its decisive stage. Amazon MGM Studios invited potential successors to Daniel Craig for final screen tests in London at the Bray Studios near Windsor. Industry reporting has identified three primary actors on the shortlist: Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor.
All three contenders are 36 years old and bring distinct screen credits to the audition room. Lowden starred in Slow Horses
, Turner appeared in auditions, and O’Connor won an Emmy for playing Prince Charles in The Crown
and recently starred in Challengers
. Initial screen tests faced scheduling friction. This forced a change so all finalists could participate within the same window.
At least four test offers for the role to play James Bond have been given out and while unconfirmed, insiders tell Deadline that three of the four actors expected to test are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor.More details on the search and final auditions for the new… pic.twitter.com/ay8DUFn6QM
The casting process has been guided by veteran casting director Nina Gold, who previously worked on Game of Thrones
and The Crown
. Alongside Gold, the evaluation of candidates involves producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, as well as director Denis Villeneuve. During these final sessions, prospective agents are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through both dialogue and stunt work in tailored 007 wardrobes.
While four test offers were reportedly distributed, the identity of a fourth potential candidate has remained unconfirmed in industry reports. Other actors previously linked to the shortlist, such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, and Henry Cavill, are no longer considered active contenders for the role.
Director Denis Villeneuve Shapes Creative Leadership
Amazon MGM Studios took full creative control of the franchise, establishing a new production team that pairs veteran producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman with director Denis Villeneuve. Screenwriter Steven Knight joined the project to shape the script before casting moved to the forefront.
The official search for Craig’s successor began in May 2026, following initial exploratory talks and an early audition round held in August. Throughout the multi-month evaluation, the studio narrowed the field before formulating formal test invitations in September.
The studio has maintained tight control over the process.
The search for the next James Bond is in full swing. We do not intend to comment on specific details during the casting process, but look forward to sharing further news with 007 fans as soon as the right time comes.
Studio representative, via Spiegel
Predictions on betting markets and fan forums have pointed in various directions, with Polymarket placing Lowden at 37 percent and Turner at 24 percent.
Industry observers anticipate that an official decision will be made public before the end of 2026. Production could possibly begin next year, with the film’s theatrical release anticipated no earlier than 2028. Have studio executives confirmed a precise date for the final announcement?