The James Bond casting race has widened again, with Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult now reported to have screen tested for the role of 007 in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming film. The pair join a growing list of actors who have been linked to the coveted part, according to Variety.
Neither Amazon nor the actors have publicly confirmed the tests. Amazon declined to comment on the casting speculation when contacted Saturday morning, leaving the field open to the usual mix of industry reports and anonymous tips.
A Crowded Field of Contenders
Pattinson and Hoult are the latest names to surface, but they are far from the only ones. Page Six previously reported that Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor were among the finalists under consideration. Variety also reported that Harry Styles and Theo James have held discussions about the role.
The volume of names reflects the stakes involved. The next Bond film will be the first produced under Amazon MGM Studios, marking a new era for the franchise after years under the Broccoli family’s stewardship. The movie is slated for a 2028 release, with Denis Villeneuve set to direct. Plot details remain under wraps.
O'Connor Rumors Swirl After London Pub Tip
Speculation around O’Connor intensified earlier this week after a report in The Sun suggested he had already won the part. According to the account, a cast member from O’Connor’s play “Golden Boy” let the news slip during a night out at The French House, a London pub.
The source described an accidental conversation in which the cast member, after a few drinks, stated that O’Connor was the next James Bond. The cast member reportedly said O’Connor had confided in the group during celebratory drinks after the play’s run ended on Halloween. The claim has not been verified, and no official announcement has been made.
Brosnan Backs Turner as Craig's Successor
While the current frontrunners remain unconfirmed, former Bond Pierce Brosnan has weighed in with his own preference. Brosnan, who played 007 in four films between 1995 and 2002, told Vanity Fair he is now just an audience member eager to see who takes on the role. He praised the entire shortlist as actors he admires, citing their presence, physique and longevity.
Brosnan singled out Turner, with whom he worked on “The Only Living Boy in New York,” describing him as strong. The endorsement adds another layer to a casting process that has already generated more speculation than most films do in production.
Craig's Legacy and the Road to 2028
Daniel Craig retired from the role after 2021’s “No Time to Die,” having played Bond in five films. His tenure included 2012’s “Skyfall,” which has been voted a fan favorite, and 2015’s “Spectre.” Craig has remained tight-lipped about who might follow him.
For now, the only certainties are the director, the studio and the release window. Everything else, including whether Pattinson or Hoult will ultimately land the part, remains a matter of speculation. The screen tests reported for both actors suggest the decision could be drawing closer, but Amazon’s silence means the guessing game is far from over.
