Final James Bond screen tests begin
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Final screen tests for the next James Bond began in London, with Jack Lowden and Callum Turner linked.
The pick ends a search begun after Amazon MGM took creative control.
Background
James Bond is the long-running spy film franchise, and the next film will be its 26th installment — the first since Daniel Craig's farewell in 2021's No Time to Die. In February 2025 Amazon MGM Studios bought out the creative rights from longtime stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who remain co-owners; the search for a new lead began last spring. Denis Villeneuve, the Oscar-nominated Dune filmmaker, is set to direct, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. Casting director Nina Gold joined the project in spring 2026, and auditions narrowed to a final group by September.
How it unfolded
- Feb 2025Amazon MGM Studios bought out the creative rights to the James Bond franchise; Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson remain co-owners.
- Spring 2026Casting director Nina Gold joined the project and the search for the next Bond got underway.
- Aug 2026The first round of auditions took place.
- Sep 2026The list was cut to a final group and test offers were worked out; Puck's Matt Belloni reported test deals going out ahead of fall screen tests.
- Oct 22, 2026Deadline reported final screen tests could begin as early as Friday, October 23, with at least four test offers out. Amazon MGM said it will share news with fans when the time is right.
- Oct 23, 2026Some screen tests began as early as Friday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- Oct 24, 2026The Hollywood Reporter wrote that final screen tests had begun in London, with Jack Lowden and Callum Turner the favorites; Nine said a casting announcement could arrive as soon as next week.
- Oct 25, 2026Reports said the next Bond film had entered final screen tests, with Lowden, Turner and Josh O'Connor linked to the role.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Amazon MGM Studios says the search is underway and it won't comment on casting specifics, promising to share news with fans when the time is right.
- Analysts
- Deadline's insiders name Lowden, Turner and O'Connor as three of the four actors expected to test, while stressing the names are unconfirmed.
- Expert
- Puck's Matt Belloni called the contender lists circulating online "bogus," and THR's James Hibberd said oddsmakers see Lowden and Turner as the front two.
- Party
- Producer Amy Pascal said a casting announcement by the end of 2026 is "a good bet."
Still unverified
Deadline's insiders say three of the four actors expected to test are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor, but the names are unconfirmed; the fourth name has not leaked, and Page Six previously claimed the frontrunner was unknown actor Jack Barton. Gary Oldman claimed in September that the next Bond had already been picked but not announced. Amazon MGM has not confirmed who is testing, the shortlist or the timing of an announcement, and it is unclear when a final decision will be made.