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The finalists to play James Bond will begin screen testing this week
The race to become the next James Bond is down to the final stretch. Three of the four finalists have been revealed, with a final casting decision likely happening before the end of the year.
According to the Hollywood trades, Callum Turner (Eternity), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses), Josh O’Connor (Challengers), and a fourth mystery actor are the finalists for James Bond, with screen tests set to begin this week.
The four finalists to be cast as James Bond in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Bond 26’ will begin screen testing this week
Earlier this year, reports indicated that Turner — who is also married to pop star Dua Lipa — was the favorite for the role.
At least four actors have reportedly been offered screen tests, and the fourth finalist hasn’t been identified. The final round of casting was originally scheduled for early October before being pushed back because of the actors’ schedules. Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell, who have been rumored to be up for the role, will not test for the part.
Amazon MGM and director Denis Villeneuve are leading the search after the first round of auditions in August was led by casting director Nina Gold, producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, and Villeneuve.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said in a statement when he was announced as the director of the 26th Bond movie.
“I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust,” Villeneuve said in a statement.
At this time, Villeneuve’s still-untitled James Bond film will be released in movie theaters on December 18, 2026.