Last year, Bond fans received seismic news about the future of the classic British spy franchise: Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson – the children of Albert R “Cubby” Broccoli, the legendary producer of the original James Bond films – who have overseen the series since the ’90s, ceded creative control to Amazon Studios. (The streamer bought MGM, the studio which produces the Bond movies, back in 2022, but has now reportedly shelled out an additional $1 billion for the right to freely develop this particular cinematic universe on its own terms.)
Then, a few months later, it emerged that Denis Villeneuve, the Oscar-nominated helmer of the Dune franchise, would be in the director’s chair. After that, we got some more intel, thanks to a report in Deadline. Per sources, Villeneuve “will embark on the search [for an actor] in [2026] when he completes production on Dune: Part Three.” He’s apparently after “a fresh face”, ideally “an unknown”, possibly “in his late 20s or early 30s”.
So, who will it be? Well, according to reports in Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, screen tests are kicking off this weekend with the finalists still in contention for the part. This shortlist – between three to five names – apparently includes Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor. (Jack O’Connell and Jacob Elordi, previously rumoured to be in the mix, will, per sources, not be present.) These final-stage auditions are taking place in London, and will include stunts, camera presence and dialogue.
Whatever happens, it may still be a while before the victor is revealed. Until then, browse all the current runners and riders, below.