Final screen tests for the next James Bond are underway in London as Amazon MGM Studios narrows its search to a final group of actors. The multi-component auditions include stunts, camera presence, and dialogue, with a final decision expected by the end of the year.
London Screen Tests Underway for Final Contenders
The protracted search for the next actor to take over the famous tux is entering its home stretch. Final auditions are taking place in London, with screen tests beginning as early as Friday and running through the following week. At least four test offers have been issued by the studio.
While Amazon MGM Studios has not officially confirmed the roster, industry sources indicate that three of the actors testing for the role are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor. The finalists are evaluated across three distinct components: stunts, camera presence, and dialogue.
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The final round of auditions was originally slated for early October but faced delays due to scheduling conflicts among the finalists, ultimately pushing the timeline to the end of the month so the actors could test around the same time.
Production Team and Creative Control Behind Bond 26
Amazon acquired MGM for $8.5bn (£6.3bn) in 2021, a deal that included distribution rights for the franchise. The studio subsequently spent at least $20m (£14.9m) more to secure creative control over Bond’s future.
Since taking the helm, the studio has assembled a prominent behind-the-scenes team. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman were the first to be brought on, followed by the tapping of Denis Villeneuve to direct the film. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was tapped to write the script.
Knight confirmed in September that the first draft of the script was completed, allowing casting efforts to shift fully to finding the right lead actor. Speaking about the methodical casting approach, Pascal noted in August that end of the year is a good bet
for potential casting announcements.
We are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is a stirring and exciting and different.
Amy Pascal, Producer
Notable Names Missing From the Final Roster
As the field narrows, several actors previously rumored to be frontrunners are no longer in contention for the role. Euphoria star Jacob Elordi will not participate in the final screen tests, despite rampant speculation and fan enthusiasm. Elordi previously brushed off the rumors while promoting his film The Dog Stars.
Sources indicate that Jack O’Connell is likewise no longer in the mix, while Jacob Elordi and other previously linked actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson remain outside the final testing group.
Even as the auditions wrap up, studio representatives maintain caution. Amazon MGM Studios issued a statement addressing the ongoing process.
The search for the next James Bond is underway. 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.
Amazon MGM Studios
Elaborate Screen Tests Ensure New Bond Fits the Franchise
The thorough nature of the auditions reflects the massive stakes for the long-running franchise. Daniel Craig previously served as 007 across 15 years and five films, concluding his run with 2021’s No Time to Die.
Detailing the exhaustive steps involved, production insiders note that for a series where the stakes are so high, no expense is spared in ensuring that the film team know exactly how each auditionee will come across on screen.
As the 007 team themselves have explained in the past: ‘Bond screen tests are elaborate affairs involving hair and make-up, costumes, sets, and other actors’.
Lizo Mzimba, BBC reporter
Although the final tests conclude next week, there is no confirmed timeline for when a final decision will be announced.