The search for the next James Bond has entered its final stage, with screen tests reported to have begun in London on Friday, October 23, 2026, for Denis Villeneuve’s reboot of the franchise at Amazon MGM Studios.
According to Deadline, three actors have been offered final tests: Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor, with at least one further unnamed actor also expected to take part. The Hollywood Reporter separately noted that two popular fan favourites, Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell, are not among those testing.
That detail matters because it contradicts an earlier report from industry journalist Jeff Sneider, who had claimed Elordi had already won the role and that an announcement could come very soon. With the two accounts in direct conflict, the only safe conclusion is that Amazon MGM Studios has not announced anything: as of October 29, the studio had neither confirmed nor denied the screen-test reports. The Scottish Sun now reports Lowden as the bookmakers’ favourite for the role.
Whoever wins the role will follow Daniel Craig, who bowed out in 2021’s No Time to Die. Villeneuve directs from a script by Steven Knight, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing, and Pascal has previously said the new 007 will be cast by the end of 2026. Until the studio speaks, every name on every list remains industry reporting, not a decision.
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Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.