Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor Thought to Be Among Finalists for James Bond Role

According to reports from BBC UK, Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor are among the actors thought to be participating in the final auditions for the James Bond role, with screen tests reportedly taking place this weekend, possibly as early as Friday, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Screen tests are said to be taking place this weekend, possibly as early as Friday, according to the Hollywood Reporter, with between three and five actors understood to have reached the final stages of the process. These tests were reported by Deadline to be due in early October but had been delayed due to scheduling conflicts, according to the Hollywood Reporter. These finalists are reportedly taking part in auditions that include components covering stunts, camera presence, and dialogue. Variety stated that Turner and Lowden 'appear to be in the mix' as potential replacements for Daniel Craig.

While screen tests were reported by Deadline to be due in early October, they have reportedly been postponed due to scheduling conflicts. Variety stated that Turner and Lowden "appear to be in the mix" as potential replacements for Daniel Craig. Previously, British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton had been linked to the role, and Irish actor Paul Mescal's name had also surfaced in discussions. Other actors are now reportedly in consideration, though reports regarding the current casting situation vary.

Variety suggested that Lowden, who stars in Slow Horses, might be advancing, while Turner, who stars in Masters of the Air, was speculated about earlier this year. Some fans have speculated that Turner's wife, Dua Lipa, might perform the Bond theme song. Sources informed Deadline that at least four final screen test offers have been extended, and while unconfirmed, 'three of the four expected to test are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor.'

Josh O'Connor is recognized for his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown and for his role in the 2025 film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, alongside Daniel Craig. Sources indicated that Jack O'Connell may no longer be in contention, and Jacob Elordi, who stars in Euphoria and Wuthering Heights, is not thought to be testing.

Other actors previously connected to the role include Harris Dickinson of The King's Man and Jack Barton of SAS: Rogue Heroes. Deadline noted that even with tests concluding next week, there is no established timeline for when a final determination will be made.

Amazon MGM Studios, which currently controls the Bond franchise, announced in May that the casting process was underway, though they offered no further comment at that time. In August, Amy Pascal, one of the next film's producers, told Deadline that the "end of the year is a good bet" for news regarding who would play Bond. Pascal stated that the studio is being "really, really methodical," noting that Daniel Craig is a difficult actor to follow, and the next choice "has to be something really different that is a stirring and exciting and different."

Lizo Mzimba of the BBC reported in September that for a series with such high stakes, no expense is spared to ensure the film team understands how each auditionee will appear on screen. He added that the 007 team has previously explained that "Bond screen tests are elaborate affairs involving hair and make-up, costumes, sets, and other actors."

Only six actors have officially portrayed Ian Fleming's British Secret Service agent 007 in the official film series: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. The last announcement regarding a new Bond was in 2005 with Craig, who last appeared in the role in 2021's No Time to Die, which was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.

During a similar stage of the audition process two decades ago, Superman actor Henry Cavill was widely believed to be a contender. In 2022, Cavill told the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he was told he was close, and that the decision ultimately came down to him and Daniel, with him being the younger option. He stated that Daniel's performance over the past movies was incredible, and he was happy with the choice made.

The upcoming film, which is reportedly scheduled for release in 2028, will be directed by Denis Villeneuve of Dune and will feature a script written by Steven Knight, who created Peaky Blinders. Knight informed Zoe Ball on Greatest Hits Radio in September that the initial draft of the script was finished. Amazon acquired MGM for $8.5bn (£6.3bn) in 2021, which included the rights to distribute James Bond, and it is reported that they paid at least $20m (£14.9m) more for the rights to creatively control Bond's future.

Pascal and David Heyman are producing the film, with Tanya Lapointe serving as executive producer. Knight expressed his enjoyment of the work, telling Ball that he is "absolutely loving doing it" and that he believes the film "is going to be so good. I really do believe it's going to be amazing."