The search for the next James Bond is entering its final stages, with Amazon MGM Studios holding its concluding auditions this week. According to reports, screen tests could begin as early as Friday and continue for several days as the studio narrows down the field to succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic spy.
Insiders have revealed to Deadline that four actors were offered the chance to audition, with Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor among the three whose names have surfaced. These candidates were reportedly part of a larger shortlist of six potential actors considered for the role. The final auditions were initially scheduled for earlier in October but were postponed due to scheduling conflicts. While a definitive timeline for Amazon's decision has not been announced, speculation suggests an announcement could be made by the end of 2026, a timeframe previously hinted at by producer Amy Pascal.
The casting process intensified earlier this year with the addition of Nina Gold, an Oscar-winning casting director known for her work on projects like "Hamnet," "Game of Thrones," and "Chernobyl."
Notable Candidates Emerge
All three actors reportedly in the final audition round have been previously discussed as potential Bonds. Josh O’Connor has seen a significant rise in prominence, earning accolades for his portrayal of Prince Charles in Netflix's "The Crown" and starring in recent films such as "Challengers," "The Mastermind," "Wake Up Dead Man," and "Disclosure Day."
Callum Turner, known for his role in "Masters of the Air" and the Fantastic Beasts franchise, also recently co-starred in the romantic comedy "One Night Only."
Scottish actor Jack Lowden brings prior spy experience to the table, currently starring as River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ espionage series "Slow Horses." His co-star Gary Oldman has publicly endorsed him for the role of Bond.
It has been over five years since Daniel Craig's final appearance as James Bond in "No Time to Die," which concluded his tenure that began with "Casino Royale" in 2006. Amazon's acquisition of MGM in March 2022 brought the Bond franchise under its ownership. Denis Villeneuve, director of "Dune" and "Blade Runner 2049," is slated to direct the next installment, with Steven Knight, creator of "Peaky Blinders," writing the script.