The field of actors under consideration to become the next 007 has grown, with Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult reportedly completing James Bond screen tests for director Denis Villeneuve. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter both reported the auditions on Friday, indicating that Amazon MGM Studios is casting a wider net than the trio of performers who had been viewed as frontrunners.
Pattinson’s test took place in late October, according to the reports. The actor is already familiar with franchise filmmaking through the Twilight and Harry Potter series, and he currently leads The Batman films. He recently worked with Villeneuve on Dune: Part Three, the director who will oversee the upcoming Bond productions.
Hoult also tested for the part, the reports said. He has appeared in the Superman and X-Men franchises and reportedly was the runner-up to Pattinson for the role of Bruce Wayne in the Batman reboot. His next project is How to Rob a Bank for Amazon MGM Studios, the same company producing the new Bond films.
A Broader Search Than Expected
The additions of Pattinson and Hoult expand a process that had appeared to center on three names: Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor. Those actors were widely regarded as the favorites before the latest round of tests. Jacob Elordi, once seen as a leading contender, has drawn less attention in recent weeks.
Variety also reported that Harry Styles has had discussions about the role, though it remains unclear whether he formally auditioned. Amazon MGM Studios has not commented on the new screen tests and has said little publicly since announcing in May 2026 that the search was underway.
The studio confirmed at that time only that it was looking for the next James Bond. Daniel Craig, who last played the character in No Time to Die, is the incumbent whose successor the production is seeking.
What the Auditions Signal
The screen tests suggest that Villeneuve and the studio are evaluating candidates in person rather than relying solely on reputation or prior interest. For Pattinson, the audition follows a recent collaboration with the director, while Hoult’s test comes as he balances franchise experience with an upcoming Amazon MGM release.
Neither actor has been offered the role, and the reports describe only auditions and discussions. The studio’s silence leaves the timeline and the final shortlist unresolved.
