James Bond Casting Race Narrows as Three Actors Reach Screen-Test Stage

British actors Callum Turner and Jack Lowden, alongside fellow British star Josh O’Connor, have emerged as reported finalists in the race to play James Bond, as the casting process for the next instalment of the long-running spy franchise enters a decisive stage.

According to reports by Hollywood entertainment publications Deadline and TheWrap, the three actors have been offered screen tests alongside at least one other, as producers narrow the field for the coveted role. The tests are expected to take place in London over the coming days, with assessments reportedly covering stunt performance, screen presence and dialogue delivery. Amazon MGM Studios has not officially confirmed the candidates or announced a casting decision.

Turner, 36, has appeared in films including Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Boys in the Boat, and recently featured in the romantic comedy One Night Only. He has been linked to the Bond role for months, making him one of the more familiar names in the casting speculation surrounding Daniel Craig’s successor.

Lowden, 36, is known internationally for playing River Cartwright in the spy thriller series Slow Horses. His experience in a story centred on British intelligence has helped fuel speculation about his suitability for 007, although no official information suggests that his previous role has influenced the casting decision. His co-star Gary Oldman also added to the rumours in September when he said he believed the next Bond had already been chosen, while expressing hope that Lowden would get the part. Oldman did not identify the person he believed had been selected.

O’Connor, 36, is also reported to be among those invited to test for the role. He gained wider recognition for portraying Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown and has since appeared in films including Challengers and La Chimera. His reported inclusion adds another established British performer to a process that has attracted intense public interest, with numerous actors linked to the character over the past year.

The reported shortlist remains incomplete. TheWrap said at least four actors had received test offers, while other accounts suggest the number could be higher. The Hollywood Reporter has also reported that Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell are not among those taking part in the latest screen tests, despite earlier speculation about their possible involvement. Amazon MGM has declined to comment on the specific names circulating in the media.

The actor chosen will take over from Craig, whose five-film run as Bond ended with No Time to Die in 2021. Craig’s portrayal, which began with Casino Royale in 2006, gave the character a more physically intense and emotionally exposed dimension, setting a high bar for whoever inherits the role.

The next film is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios following its assumption of creative control over the franchise from longtime custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in 2025. Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune and Blade Runner 2049, is set to direct, while Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are also attached to the project.

In a statement published in May, Amazon MGM said the search for the next Bond was underway but declined to discuss specific casting details. The studio has not announced a confirmed production schedule or release date, although entertainment industry reports have pointed to a possible 2028 release.

The selection carries significance beyond choosing the next leading actor for a blockbuster film series. Bond remains one of cinema’s most recognizable characters, and the decision will shape the tone of the franchise’s next chapter under Amazon MGM’s creative leadership. The reported screen tests suggest that the producers are moving closer to a choice, but until the studio makes an official announcement, Turner, Lowden and O’Connor remain contenders rather than confirmed successors to Craig.