The next James Bond could be announced soon, with four actors reportedly reaching the screen testing stage of the casting process.
According to Deadline, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor have all been offered a screen test, with a fourth name as yet unconfirmed. The decision on who will step into the role of 007 comes after Daniel Craig bowed out in 2021 following 15 years in the part.
Contenders and their backgrounds
Jack Lowden is best known for his role as River Cartwright in the Apple+ series Slow Horses alongside Gary Oldman. He has also appeared in films such as Mary Queen of Scots and The Outrun, featured in 10 episodes of The Gold, and recently finished filming Pride and Prejudice opposite The Crown's Emma Corrin.
Callum Turner is recognised for his role in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, as well as his performances in Masters of The Air and Eternity. In 2026, he married pop star Dua Lipa.
Josh O'Connor had a leading role as Larry Durrell in ITV's The Durrells before gaining worldwide recognition playing Prince Charles in The Crown.
Franchise history and recent developments
The 007 films were first launched by Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli in 1962, before his daughter Barbara and stepson Michael took over. After No Time To Die was completed, the Broccoli dynasty handed creative control to Amazon MGM Studios, which formed when Amazon purchased Bond's parent studio three years ago.
The reports come days after Theo James, known for The Divergent, The White Lotus, and most recently Eddie in the Guy Ritchie Netflix series The Gentlemen, ruled himself out of the role. In an interview with British GQ, the 41-year-old said: "I'm definitely too old now, for one." He also expressed fears about fame, adding: "Imagine, suddenly, you and I cannot walk down the street. What that does to your children, who are trying to find themselves in the midst of hyper-scrutiny and fame. None of that, to me, is worth it."
He continued: "At the time, it's very intoxicating, being offered some huge, sexy part that would change your life forever. But it really wouldn't ultimately be worth it."
