Reports suggest that the final James Bond screen tests are underway, with actors like Jack Lowden and Callum Turner on the shortlist.
As reported by both Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, final screen tests for the next Bond are expected to take place this week. As it stands, there's only a small handful of actors still in the running to become 007. Jack Lowden and Callum Turner have both been corroborated by the two outlets, but Deadline also noted that Josh O'Connor is also in the mix.
A fourth actor is also rumored to be in the mix, though it's unclear who. The Hollywood Reporter ruled out Jack O'Connell as the fourth mystery actor. Both Deadline and THR noted that Jacob Elordi is not testing for the role, despite having previously been rumored. The actors who are up for the part are expected to be tested on stunts, dialogue, and camera presence.
As a result, we can likely expect the next Bond to be announced sometime in November or December. The film will be director Denis Villeneuve's next project following the release of Dune Part 3, though it currently has no release date. Though, if production begins next year, it could release in late 2028. The film already has a script, so it's just a matter of assembling all of the pieces.
Casting for the next Bond has been underway since spring, and there has been no shortage of rumors about who will don the tux. Although Jack Lowden appears to be a favorite among fans, ex-Bond actor Daniel Craig told IGN last year that he was rooting for Josh O'Connor and joked that he started a rumor that he was up for the part. Now, it seems that joke has actually become reality, with O'Connor as a finalist.
We also have no idea what the new direction will be for James Bond. The Daniel Craig films were more grounded and serious, something that would likely lend itself to Denis Villeneuve's style. It seems unlikely we'll get another origin story since Casino Royale did that so tactfully, and 007 First Light also successfully put its own spin on things earlier this year. Early reports suggested that producers were eyeing a younger Bond, but all three of the named candidates are 36 years old, just two years younger than Craig was in Casino Royale. It's possible the direction has changed, but it may come at the cost of longevity.
Craig was injured many times during his tenure as James Bond, and the stunts became more difficult as he got older. Maybe the producers don't intend on having the next Bond play the role for 15 years like Craig, though.