Robert Pattinson has reportedly screen-tested for the role of James Bond in the upcoming Bond 26. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the screen tests took place the weekend of October 24. This publication also previously noted that Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor were among the actors considered.
Nicholas Hoult, known for his role as Lex Luthor, has also emerged as a contender for the part. Notably, both Pattinson and Hoult were in contention for the role of Batman in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film, with Pattinson ultimately securing the part.
Variety reports that Harry Styles has held discussions about the role, and Theo James has not been ruled out. While it is unusual for an actor to lead two major franchises simultaneously, it is not unprecedented. Harrison Ford famously played Han Solo and Indiana Jones during the same period, and Robert Downey Jr. starred in the Sherlock Holmes films while portraying Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Pattinson recently collaborated with Denis Villeneuve, who is reportedly directing Bond 26, on Dune: Part 3. The Bond screen tests were conducted in London, where Pattinson is currently filming The Batman: Part 2. At 40 years old, Pattinson is older than the other named contenders like Turner, Lowden, and O’Connor, as well as Hoult, all of whom are 36. This contrasts with earlier reports suggesting producers were seeking a younger, lesser-known British actor for the role.
Previous reports indicated producers were looking for a "fresh face" for the next 007, which would place Pattinson outside that initial scope.