Next James Bond finalists emerge as final screen tests are underway
They’ll take it shaken, not stirred.
The search for the next James Bond has narrowed down to finalists Callum Turner and Jack Lowden, who will screen test this weekend, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Friday.
At least four test offers have been given out, and insiders told Deadline that “The Crown” actor Josh O’Connor is also expected to test.
The identity of the fourth contender is currently unknown. Up to five actors may test, per THR.
Although Jacob Elordi was reportedly in the mix in the spring, the Oscar-nominated actor isn’t testing, according to the outlet.
“Sinners” actor Jack O’Connell was also rumored to be in consideration, but sources told the outlet he’s not among the finalists either.
Page Six reached out to Amazon for comment.
The new Bond will be Daniel Craig’s successor, after he had the role from 2006’s “Casino Royale” until 2021’s “No Time to Die.”
Sean Connery began the role with 1962’s “Dr. No.”
Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton also famously played versions of the spy.
“Dune” filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will direct the next “Bond” movie for Amazon MGM Studios — which bought the creative rights to 007 from the Broccoli family in 2025.
Producers and half-siblings Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were longtime stewards of the iconic spy franchise, as their family produced all of the 25 main films.
In December 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that Broccoli had privately told her friends, “These people are f–king idiots,” referring to the Amazon team.
Amazon hasn’t officially confirmed an age range for actors, but sources told Variety in April that the new Bond will be younger than previous Bonds.
Lowden, 36, is also playing another iconic role, as he’s starring as Mr. Darcy opposite Emma Corrin in Netflix’s “Pride and Prejudice,” coming in December.
The Scottish actor emerged as a Bond frontrunner in the fall. In September, his “Slow Horses” co-star, Gary Oldman, claimed the next Bond had already been chosen.
“We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him,” the Oscar winner alleged. “They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.”
During an interview with the Associated Press in October, Lowden’s wife, Saoirse Ronan, was asked about the rumors.
The Irish actress, 32, replied, “Well, Gary Oldman thinks he’s James Bond.”
She added, “We’re kinda getting on with our life…So, yeah, it’s not really a subject that’s coming up in our house, to be honest. The dog needs to be walked, the dinner needs to be made — we’re most focused on that.”
Dua Lipa, 31, hasn’t weighed in on the Bond rumors surrounding her husband, Turner.
However, in 2018, the pop star told British GQ, “I’d love to do the Bond theme tune.”
Per Deadline, an official announcement is expected by the end of the year.