The race to become the next 007 is reportedly reaching its final stage, with Callum Turner and Jack Lowden among the leading candidates. Josh O’Connor has also been linked to screen tests, while House of the Dragon star Ewan Mitchell is reportedly being considered for the next Bond villain. Amazon MGM Studios has not officially confirmed the casting.
The search for the next James Bond is entering a decisive phase, as Amazon MGM Studios prepares screen tests for actors hoping to take over the iconic role from Daniel Craig.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the latest round of screen tests is expected to take place in London this weekend, with Turner and Lowden reportedly among the leading contenders.
Earlier reporting by Deadline indicated that screen-test offers had been extended to at least four actors, naming Turner, Lowden and O’Connor, while the identity of a fourth candidate remained unknown. The latest reports suggest the final selection process could be narrowing, although the number of actors participating has not been officially confirmed.
Who Could Become the Next 007?
Other actors previously linked to the role include Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell. However, recent reports say neither is expected to participate in the current screen tests.
Ewan Mitchell Reportedly Considered for the Villain
While attention is focused on the identity of the next 007, speculation is also growing about who might play the main antagonist in the upcoming film.
British actor Ewan Mitchell, 29, has reportedly attracted the producers’ attention. He is best known for portraying the ruthless Aemond Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones.
A report by The Sun suggested that Mitchell could be an appealing choice because of his growing acting résumé and distinctive appearance, while remaining less established than some of the major stars linked to the franchise.
However, his involvement remains unconfirmed, and Amazon MGM Studios has not announced any cast members for the new film.
Denis Villeneuve Will Direct the New Bond Film
The next installment will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune and Blade Runner 2049. Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay.
The film is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios following the company’s expanded control over the James Bond franchise in 2025. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are also attached to the project.
The new movie will follow No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s fifth and final appearance as James Bond, which premiered in 2021.
Amazon MGM confirmed in May 2026 that the search for the next Bond was underway but said it would not comment on specific casting details until the time was right.
Why Choosing the Next Bond Is So Important
Selecting a new actor for James Bond is one of the most closely watched casting decisions in the film industry. The role requires more than physical presence or action-hero appeal: the actor must also convey the character’s intelligence, sophistication, unpredictability and capacity for danger.
Former Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams has previously emphasized the importance of preserving the character’s mysterious nature, arguing that audiences should not feel they already know everything about the actor playing the secret agent.
The next casting decision will also determine the direction of a franchise that has remained popular across generations, from Sean Connery’s original portrayal to Craig’s more emotionally complex version of the character.
Although the latest reports point toward a potentially decisive weekend of screen tests, the final choice remains under wraps.
For now, Callum Turner and Jack Lowden are among the names attracting the most attention, but the identity of the next James Bond will remain speculation until Amazon MGM Studios makes an official announcement.
