James Bond Casting Update: Who Will Be The Next James Bond?
The search for the next James Bond is approaching its final stage, with Amazon MGM Studios preparing to conduct screen tests for the iconic 007 role. According to a report from Deadline, auditions could begin as early as October 23, 2026, and continue through the following week. Four actors are reportedly in the final group, although only three names have been identified so far: Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor.
Amazon MGM Studios Prepares Final Screen Tests
The upcoming auditions mark a significant step toward selecting the next actor to portray the famous MI6 agent. The screen tests were initially planned for earlier in October but were postponed until the end of the month because of scheduling conflicts involving the finalists.
Although the tests are expected to conclude next week, the studio has not established a confirmed timeline for announcing its decision. However, the current expectation is that the next James Bond will be revealed before the end of 2026.
The casting search began in the spring, when Amazon MGM Studios announced that casting director Nina Gold had joined the project. Following two months of meetings, the first round of auditions was reported to be scheduled for August. The studio subsequently narrowed the candidates to a final group and arranged test offers in September.
Three Reported Finalists for the 007 Role
Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor are the three actors reportedly among the final candidates. Each has established a screen presence through previous television and film roles.
Jack Lowden
Lowden currently stars as River Cartwright in Apple TV’s Slow Horses. His character is a rejected MI5 agent who continues working within an arm of the UK government.
Callum Turner
Turner is known for playing former British Army Lance Corporal Shaun Emery in the television series The Capture. He has also received recognition for his work in the war miniseries Masters of the Air, which earned him a Satellite Award nomination.
Josh O’Connor
O’Connor has appeared in films and dramas including Challengers and Wake Up, Dead Man. His most recent role, according to the reports, is in Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day.
The identity of the fourth actor remains unknown, and Amazon MGM Studios has not publicly confirmed the reported finalists.
A New Creative Era for the James Bond Franchise
The upcoming James Bond film will be the first developed under Amazon MGM Studios’ full creative control of the franchise. The studio has been assembling the key creative team responsible for shaping the next chapter of the long-running spy series.
Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman were among the first major appointments. Denis Villeneuve was later selected to direct the film, while Steven Knight was brought on to write the screenplay.
Since assembling the creative team, the focus has been on developing the story before moving forward with auditions for the lead role. The casting decision will determine who succeeds the previous Bond and leads the franchise into its next phase.
When Will the Next James Bond Be Announced?
While the final screen tests are expected to take place over the coming week, there is no official announcement date for the next 007. The reported timeline suggests that Amazon MGM Studios could make its decision before the end of the year, although the studio has yet to confirm when the casting process will conclude.
With four actors reportedly remaining in contention, the search for the next James Bond appears to be nearing its conclusion. Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor are among the names drawing attention, but the identity of the next 007 will remain uncertain until Amazon MGM Studios makes an official announcement.
