The search for the next James Bond is entering one of its most important phases, with final screen tests reportedly set for this weekend. Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor are among the actors said to be in the last round for the role that Daniel Craig left behind in 2021. According to BBC, the final auditions are expected to include stunts, camera presence and dialogue, giving producers a full picture of how each contender might carry one of cinema’s most closely watched parts.
Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor Lead
The latest reports point to a shortlist of between three and five actors, though the exact number has not been confirmed. Turner has been discussed for months, while Lowden has recently gained momentum in industry chatter. O'Connor has also emerged as a serious contender after building a strong screen profile in recent years. Other names previously linked to the role include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton and Paul Mescal, but current reports suggest the field has narrowed as the event moves toward a decisive casting stage.
Final Auditions Include Stunts and Dialogue Tests
These are not simple read-throughs. Bond screen tests are designed to measure far more than line delivery, with action work and on-camera presence carrying major weight. The process has a long reputation for being highly detailed, with costumes, make-up and full staging often used to simulate the demands of the role. That approach reflects the pressure around this casting choice. Bond is not just a lead character but a global franchise figure, and each actor must show he can handle both the physical side and the polished edge the part requires.
Amy Pascal Says Daniel Craig Is Hard to Follow
Producers have already made clear that replacing Craig will not be rushed. "We are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow," Amy Pascal told BBC. She also signaled that the next version of 007 needs a fresh identity rather than a copy of what came before. That careful approach helps explain why the process has stretched across months, with reported delays tied to scheduling and the challenge of locking in the right finalists.
Denis Villeneuve and Steven Knight Shape the New Era
The next film already has major creative pieces in place. Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct, while Steven Knight has completed a first draft of the script. The film is reportedly targeting a 2028 release, giving the studio time to build a new chapter around whoever lands the role. Amazon MGM Studios now has creative control of the franchise, adding another layer of attention to this transition. Only six actors have officially played 007 on screen, which makes this decision especially significant for both the series and the actor chosen.
