The race to name the next James Bond has entered its final lap. Final screen tests for the role of 007 are set to begin in London on Friday, October 23, 2026, with Masters of the Air star Callum Turner and Slow Horses standout Jack Lowden reported to be among the contenders, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline. The tests mark the last major hurdle before Amazon MGM Studios names Daniel Craig’s successor, five years after No Time to Die (2021).
The Finalists: Lowden, Turner, and O’Connor
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Turner, 36, and Lowden, 36, are in the mix for the screen tests, while Deadline’s Justin Kroll reported that The Crown star Josh O’Connor, also 36, is testing as well. At least three actors are expected to take part, though one source told THR the number could be as high as five.
Lowden, a Scottish actor with credits including Dunkirk, Benediction and Ella McCay, has emerged as the bookmakers’ favorite. William Hill priced him at 8/13 as of Friday morning, an implied chance of about 62%, after cutting his odds from 4/6 the day before. Turner, known for the Fantastic Beasts series, Emma and the rom-com One Night Only, sits second at 3/1. Notably, both Sinners star Jack O’Connell and Euphoria’s Jacob Elordi are reportedly no longer in contention, per THR.
What the Tests Will Cover
THR’s Borys Kit reported that the screen tests have three components: stunts, camera presence, and dialogue. The tests were originally planned for earlier in October but were pushed back because of schedule conflicts with the finalists, according to multiple reports.
The process recalls the last casting scramble, when a little-known Daniel Craig beat out then-favorite Henry Cavill after a full camera workup. Bookmakers are cautious this time, too: Josh O’Connor was cut from 10/1 to 7/1 this week alone.
The Creative Team Behind Bond 26
The next 007 film will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman for Amazon MGM Studios, which now holds the franchise’s creative rights. Casting director Nina Gold, whose credits include Game of Thrones, has been running the search since the spring.
Villeneuve said in June that he intends “to honor the tradition” of James Bond and “open the path for many new missions to come.” Knight has reportedly finished a first draft. Amazon MGM has declined to comment on specific casting details, saying: “While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.” Producer Amy Pascal said in August that the end of the year was “a good bet” for an announcement.
What Happens Next
Filming is widely expected to begin in 2027 ahead of a reported 2028 release, since Villeneuve cannot start until Dune: Part Three opens on December 18. If this round of tests wraps next week, a decision before Christmas looks realistic, and Pascal has already said the new Bond would be recruited before the end of the year.
Watch: The Clownfish TV podcast's YouTube video on the Bond casting shake-up, covering the Lowden, Turner and O'Connor finalists, why Jacob Elordi and Jack O'Connell are reportedly out, and what the three-part screen tests involve: James Bond casting down to final screen tests.
Music in this post's reel: Kevin MacLeod - Life of Riley (incompetech.com), licensed under CC BY 3.0
After five years of rumor and speculation, the longest audition in Hollywood history is finally nearing its conclusion. Whoever walks out of that London studio with the role inherits not just a Walther PPK, but the task of redefining 007 for the Amazon era. The smart money says Lowden. The studio says nothing at all.