The search for the next James Bond appears to be entering a decisive stage, with actors Callum Turner and Jack Lowden reportedly among the candidates taking part in screen tests for the iconic 007 role.
According to entertainment industry reports, Amazon MGM Studios is arranging a series of auditions in London as it works to select the actor who will succeed Daniel Craig as the famous British secret agent. The tests were expected to begin as early as Friday, October 23, with several actors competing for the coveted role.
However, the studio has not confirmed the identities of the candidates or announced a casting decision.
Turner, who recently starred in the romantic comedy One Night Only, and Lowden, known for his performance in the spy drama Slow Horses, have emerged as two of the names attracting attention during the latest round of speculation.
The number of actors involved remains uncertain. Reports suggest that at least three candidates could participate, while other accounts indicate that the group may include as many as five.
Callum Turner and Jack Lowden Emerge as James Bond Contenders
Turner and Lowden have both attracted speculation about their potential to become the next James Bond.
Turner has appeared in productions including the Fantastic Beasts franchise and the war drama Masters of the Air. His screen presence and experience in major productions have made him a recurring name in discussions about Craig’s successor.
Lowden has also gained attention through his role as River Cartwright in Slow Horses, the espionage series centred on a team of intelligence officers. His experience in a spy thriller has further fuelled speculation about his suitability for the role.
Amazon MGM Studios has not officially named either actor as the next 007, and taking part in screen tests does not guarantee that either will win the role.
Some reports have also identified The Crown and Challengers star Josh O’Connor as a possible candidate. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed the full list of actors it is considering.
Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell Reportedly Out of the Running
Months of speculation have linked several actors to the Bond role, but recent reports have questioned whether some of the previously mentioned names remain in contention.
Euphoria and Frankenstein star Jacob Elordi has attracted attention as a possible successor to Craig. However, reports indicate that he is not participating in the current screen tests.
Jack O’Connell, known for his role in Sinners, was also rumoured to be among the contenders. According to the reports, he is not part of the current testing process either.
Amazon MGM Studios has declined to discuss individual candidates, leaving fans to rely on entertainment industry reporting while the casting process continues.
Readers should not treat the reported shortlist as a confirmed list of finalists until the studio makes an official announcement.
What Will the James Bond Screen Tests Involve?
The reported auditions are expected to assess more than an actor’s appearance in a tuxedo. According to sources cited in the entertainment reports, the process includes three main components: stunts, camera presence, and dialogue.
The stunt assessment would allow the casting team to evaluate how candidates handle the physical demands associated with an action-heavy franchise.
Camera presence is another important consideration, as the actor must convincingly portray a character who has remained a major figure in cinema for decades.
The dialogue portion would help assess each candidate’s ability to deliver Bond’s distinctive combination of confidence, intelligence, and dry humour.
Reports suggest the studio plans to conduct comprehensive screen tests, but it has not publicly disclosed the full audition process.
The casting decision will determine who takes over a role that has defined the careers of several actors and become one of the most recognisable characters in film history.
Daniel Craig’s James Bond Legacy
Daniel Craig’s departure from the franchise in No Time to Die left the role open for a new leading actor.
Craig first portrayed Bond in Casino Royale, released in 2006. His interpretation presented a more physically intense and emotionally complex version of the secret agent, beginning a new chapter for the long-running franchise.
He continued playing the character in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die, which arrived in 2021.
The casting process for his successor has attracted widespread attention because the new actor will inherit a role with a substantial cinematic history and a global audience.
A previous round of Bond auditions also illustrates how unpredictable the selection process can be. Henry Cavill was among the actors considered before producers ultimately chose Craig.
The next casting decision will introduce another performer to the franchise while determining the direction of its upcoming era.
Denis Villeneuve to Direct the Next James Bond Film
Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios.
Villeneuve, known for directing Dune, Dune: Part Two and Blade Runner 2049, will take charge of the franchise’s next instalment as the studio develops its plans for the future of 007.
Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are overseeing the project. Their involvement follows Amazon MGM Studios’ acquisition of creative control over the Bond franchise from longtime custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in 2025.
The change gives Amazon MGM a central role in shaping the franchise’s future, including the selection of the actor who will lead the next film.
However, the studio has not officially revealed the new Bond or provided a confirmed announcement date.
When Will Amazon MGM Announce the Next James Bond?
Despite the reported screen tests, fans are still waiting for official confirmation of Craig’s successor.
Amazon MGM Studios has said the search is underway but has declined to comment on specific casting details while the process continues. The company has indicated that it will share more information when the time is right.
The latest reports suggest that the selection process is advancing, but the identities of the candidates and the final outcome remain unconfirmed.
For now, Turner and Lowden are among the actors attracting attention, while O’Connor has also appeared in some reports about the possible contenders.
Until Amazon MGM makes its announcement, the race to become the next James Bond remains open.