It’s almost time to bust out that vodka martini—shaken, not stirred. Deadline reports that Amazon’s search for the next James Bond is “hitting the homestretch,” with final screen tests potentially starting as early as Friday and continuing through next week. At least four finalists have been offered screen tests.
Who Is Screen Testing for James Bond?
Deadline adds that, while unconfirmed by Amazon MGM Studios (which hasn’t commented on the news), three of the four Bond finalists are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor. The fourth actor is a mystery.
Tests were reportedly delayed until the end of October due to scheduling conflicts. Of course, this doesn’t mean we’ll learn who the new Bond is in early November, but we’re now much closer to the finish line after a long, arduous marathon. Deadline shares that “most believe it will come by the end of the year.” What a nice holiday surprise that would be.
Back in March, Amazon announced that Amy Pascal and David Heyman would produce the highly anticipated James Bond flick after the company assumed full creative control of the franchise. Pascal is best known for producing the Spider-Man franchise, while Heyman produced all eight Harry Potter movies. Dune helmer Denis Villeneuve was tapped to direct, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight penning the script. Renowned casting director Nina Gold is behind the search for the next 007.
Lowden has been a frontrunner for a hot minute. Turner and O’Connor have also been in the Bond conversation, with other well-known names like Jacob Elordi, Jack O’Connell, Tom Blyth, and Aaron Pierre swirling around the internet rumor mill. Fan-favorite Theo James ruled himself out of the race during press for The Gentlemen Season 2.
Whoever takes on the mantle will have big shoes to fill in the wake of Daniel Craig, who starred in five Bond films. While he didn’t headline the most Bond movies, Craig has the longest run as the eponymous spy, serving in the role from 2006-2021.
