The Search for 007: Final Four Contenders Emerge for Next James Bond Role

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — The search for the next actor to portray James Bond has reached a critical juncture, with reports indicating that the casting process is now focused on a final group of four candidates.

Amazon MGM Studios, which currently oversees the iconic franchise, has reportedly arranged screen tests for these four individuals. These evaluations serve as the concluding phase of the selection process, allowing the creative team to assess how each performer handles specific material from the upcoming film.

According to a report published by Deadline on Thursday, invitations for these tests have been extended to Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor. The identity of the fourth candidate remains unconfirmed, while The Hollywood Reporter noted that Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell are not participating in the testing phase.

Industry sources suggest that these final auditions are scheduled to take place over the next two weeks. While a definitive timeline for the official casting announcement has not been established, there is a possibility that the studio could reveal the new Bond before the conclusion of the year.

The casting process remains a subject of intense scrutiny, particularly regarding the balance between fame and anonymity. Retired casting director Debbie McWilliams, who previously managed casting for actors including Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, emphasized that it is absolutely essential that [Bond] retains a total enigma. She added: “I don’t want to see [Elordi, Turner, Dickinson et al] as Bond because we now know so much about them. We want to know as little about them personally as possible, because that’s what spies are. We don’t need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are, or where he lives … He’s licensed to kill, and we have to believe that he can do that. If you don’t, then you’ve lost the audience.”

Beyond the search for the lead, production teams are reportedly scouting talent for the film’s antagonist. Ewan Mitchell, the 29-year-old actor known for his role as Aemond Targaryen in the HBO series House of the Dragon, is reportedly being considered for the villainous role.

An insider told The Sun that Ewan is the perfect option for Amazon because he has accrued a good CV, but is not as established an actor as some of the names who have been linked to the return of Bond. The studio is reportedly prioritizing an up-and-coming performer with a distinct appearance over a more established star.

This upcoming project follows the conclusion of Daniel Craig’s tenure as the character, which ended with the October 2021 release of No Time To Die. Amazon assumed control of the franchise following its acquisition of MGM Studios in January 2025.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)