The key facts
- Final screen tests for the 007 role are reportedly taking place this weekend and next week
- Different sources name different shortlists: Lowden appears in all of them, Elordi — not in all
- Producer Amy Pascal: the announcement is a 'good bet' for the end of the year; filming — 2027, release — 2028
The Final Stage of Casting
Amazon MGM Studios, according to insider reports, is holding final screen tests for the role of the new James Bond this weekend and next week. The exact list of candidates remains a matter of disagreement between outlets: some speak of three finalists, others of four.
Conflicting Candidate Lists
Jordan Ruimy of World Of Reel reported that the shortlist consists of three names: Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden and an unnamed third actor; according to him, an announcement could come at any moment from the last week of October to early November. Jeff Sneider (The InSneider) claims that Elordi and Lowden recently took screen tests. However, The Hollywood Reporter writes that neither Jack O'Connell (Danny Boyle's favorite candidate) nor Elordi will be taking tests. Deadline, citing sources, reports that four people received offers to test: Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor — with no mention of Elordi; the name of the fourth participant is not disclosed, although many assume it is Jack Barton.
Jack Lowden — the Candidate Common to All Versions
Jack Lowden is the only one who appears in all recent insider reports. The 36-year-old Scottish actor is known for the role of River Cartwright in the series 'Slow Horses' (Apple TV), as well as for Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk', 'Mary Queen of Scots' (2018) and 'Benediction' (2021). At the end of this year he will appear as Mr. Darcy in a new Netflix adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice'. Euronews Culture previously called Lowden the ideal candidate, noting his 'spy credentials', charisma and connections with the casting director; his wife Saoirse Ronan previously expressed interest in playing a villain in the Bond franchise.
Josh O'Connor — the Dark Horse
Josh O'Connor, according to Euronews, is a 'dark horse': his name had not previously been mentioned among the favorites. The actor of 'Challengers', 'Wake Up Dead Man' (in which he starred alongside former Bond Daniel Craig) and 'Disclosure Day' could be an unexpected choice for the role of 007.
Timeline and Context of Bond 26
The exact deadline for finalizing the casting is unknown, but Bond 26 producer Amy Pascal said in August that 'the end of the year is a good bet' for an official announcement. 'We are proceeding very, very methodically. Working with Barbara Broccoli at the studio... Daniel Craig is a tough act to follow. And it has to be something really different, exciting, thrilling and distinct,' she said. The film will be directed by Canadian filmmaker and four-time Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve, with the screenplay written by 'Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight. This is the first Bond after full creative control over the franchise passed to Amazon from the longtime custodians of 007, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Production is expected in 2027, with release in 2028.
