James Bond Screen Tests Start Today — 3 Finalists Named
Amazon MGM Studios begins the final screen tests to choose Daniel Craig’s successor as James Bond today, Friday October 23, in London, with three frontrunners named as the most likely new 007.
According to reporting by Deadline, at least four actors were offered final test offers. Three of them have been named as Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor. The identity of the fourth candidate has not been reported.
Lowden, Turner and O’Connor lead the race
Jack Lowden, known for playing River Cartwright opposite Gary Oldman in Slow Horses, has been linked to the role the longest — Richard Osman said over the summer that the Slow Horses star was being “strongly considered” for Bond.
Callum Turner is known for Masters of the Air, where he starred as Major John “Bucky” Egan alongside Austin Butler in the Spielberg- and Hanks-produced series, and for the Fantastic Beasts films.
Josh O’Connor won an Emmy for playing Prince Charles in The Crown and starred alongside Zendaya in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers.
A rigorous test process
Insiders say the screen tests will be comprehensive, evaluating stunt work, camera presence and dialogue under casting director Nina Gold and the creative team of director Denis Villeneuve. The auditions are expected to run through next week.
The Hollywood Reporter mentioned only Lowden and Turner, while Variety confirmed the timing of the tests. Earlier speculation around Jacob Elordi was dismissed by multiple outlets — he is reportedly not participating.
Amazon’s new 007 era
The tests close a methodical search that began after Amazon MGM took creative control of the franchise. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are leading the reboot with Denis Villeneuve directing.
Producer Amy Pascal has said a casting decision is likely before the end of 2026, which would end one of Hollywood’s longest-running guessing games.
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Source credit: Reporting based on Deadline via Fiction Horizon, Particle News and TheWrap, October 2026.