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Jeff Bezos is heavily involved in casting the next James Bond
Footage of actors auditioning to become the next James Bond was reportedly transported from Britain to Hollywood by private jet so Jeff Bezos and Amazon executive Mike Hopkins could review it without risking an online leak.
According to the Daily Mail, the delivery was part of an extensive security operation surrounding the search for Daniel Craig’s successor. The screen tests reportedly took place at Amazon MGM-owned Bray Studios in Berkshire, with candidates performing scenes from previous Bond movies.
James Bond auditions reportedly involved restricted rooms and individually watermarked scripts
The report also details a restricted section of the studio accessible only to people carrying special passes, and actors entering the audition room reportedly having to leave bags and mobile phones outside. Scripts carried individual watermarks and were printed in red ink that sources claimed would prevent them from being photographed or photocopied.
The candidates performed material from From Russia With Love, GoldenEye and Casino Royale, rather than scenes from the new film’s screenplay, and were also reportedly assessed on their physical performance.
Director Denis Villeneuve, casting director Nina Gold, screenwriter Steven Knight and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman reportedly attended the tests. Bezos has reportedly insisted that the next actor playing 007 must be British — hence Jacob Elordi, an Aussie, seemingly dropping out of contention.
A small camera and sound crew recorded the auditions before the footage was physically transported to the United States via private jet for Bezos’ viewing.
The same source identifies Sean Connery as Bezos’ favorite Bond, linking that preference to Scottish Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden’s standing among the contenders. The accounts do not establish that any actor has secured the part. Late last week, the Hollywood trades also reported that both Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult had tested for the part.
Filming is reportedly being targeted for spring 2027, ahead of a potential November 2028 theatrical release.