By CAROLINE PEACOCK, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
The race to become the next James Bond has reportedly narrowed to three actors, with screen tests set for this weekend.
Bosses at Amazon MGM Studios have been hunting for the next 007 to replace Daniel Craig after he hung up his tuxedo in 2021 after No Time to Die.
Auditions for the next franchise are believed to have taken place over the summer, with actors including Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson said to have been in the running.
New reports suggest that the list has now been narrowed down to just three candidates – Slow Horses star Jack, Saltburn's Jacob and one unnamed actor, according to The InSneider's Jeff Sneider.
World Of Reel's Jordan Ruimy also wrote: 'A few weeks ago, I was told that the race to become the next James Bond had narrowed to three names: Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden and an undisclosed third actor.
'Now that Jeff Sneider at The InSneider is also reporting Lowden and Elordi as finalists, the cat's out of the bag, so here we are.
The race to become the next James Bond has reportedly narrowed to three actors, with screen tests set for this weekend - and Jacob Elordi (pictured),Jack Lowden and an unnamed actor are in the runnning
According to new reports, the next James Bond could be announcment anytime between the last week of October and early November (pictured Jack Lawden)
'What I'm hearing is that an announcement could come anytime between the last week of October and early November.'
Jordan suggested that Jacob is Amazon's favourite while Jack would be a more traditional choice.
However, new film director Denis Villeneuve could be backing the unnamed third actor as his 'wild card'.
Jordan added that the third actor has 'barely been speculated'.
Variety has also reported that the casting process is close to its conclusion, with final screen tests taking place in the coming days ahead of an official announcement.
The publication suggested the final screen tests could be kicking off on Friday (23.10.26), and the article claims Callum is still in the running to be Bond.
Variety reported: 'The crowning of the next James Bond is upon us. Final screen tests for Amazon MGM Studios' new 007 are set to happen in the next week... beginning as early as Friday.
'Though who exactly will test is up in the air, Callum Turner and Jack Lowden appear to be in the mix.'
Meanwhile Variety has suggested the final screen tests could be kicking off on Friday (23.10.26), and the article claims Callum is still in the running to be Bond
Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo in 2021 after No Time to Die
Last month, screenwriter Steven Knight confirmed 007 has already been cast.
He was asked on Radio 4 whether he had written the film with the chosen actor in mind or based on what he already knew about the character.
The Peaky Blinders creator, who is in the process of writing the new Bond script, replied: 'It's a bit of both.
'It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.'
He added: 'The thing with Bond is that it's its own universe and own franchise so there are certain rules, obviously you have to move it along but I love where it sits.
'I love that it's British and it's not DC or Marvel. The only thing I can say is I feel like I'm doing my duty for King and country.
'It's like something if you're a British writer, you have to do.'
Speculation about who will take over from Craig has been rife for months and heightened after Amazon MGM Studios announced in May that auditions were finally taking place.
The job of finding the next Bond now falls to casting director Nina Gold and director Denis Villeneuve.