Next James Bond: final screen tests begin, Lowden and Turner in frame
By Tanishq BhattEntertainment Writer, Peepals Global
Representative image: dmncwndrlch / Pixabay
Final screen tests for the next James Bond were reported to begin from October 23, 2026, with Jack Lowden and Callum Turner among the candidates named.
What Happened
The search for the next James Bond has reached its final stage, with screen tests for the role reported to begin as early as Friday, October 23, 2026, and continue into the following week, according to several Hollywood trade publications. Insiders named Jack Lowden and Callum Turner as two of the actors testing, and one outlet also named Josh O'Connor. Amazon MGM Studios, which now controls the franchise, has not publicly confirmed any names, and Denis Villeneuve is directing the next film.
Key Facts
- The final round of James Bond screen tests was reported to start as early as October 23, 2026, and run through the following week.
- At least four actors were reported to have received test offers; Jack Lowden and Callum Turner are named by several outlets, and Josh O'Connor by one.
- Reports say Jacob Elordi, earlier described as a frontrunner, is not among those testing.
- The tests are said to cover three parts: stunts, presence on camera and dialogue.
- Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed the candidates.
- Denis Villeneuve is directing the film, and producer Amy Pascal has said an announcement should come before the end of 2026, with filming targeted for 2027.
Why It Matters
James Bond is one of the longest-running and most valuable franchises in cinema, and casting the next 007 is among the biggest decisions in the film industry. It is also the first Bond casting under a new owner. Amazon MGM took creative control of the series after acquiring the rights from the Broccoli family, the family that had produced the films. The choice of actor will be the clearest signal yet of what direction Amazon wants to take the character.
Screen tests are the last step before a decision. They allow the director and producers to see how each candidate handles action, how they look on camera and how they deliver dialogue, often in scenes written specifically for the test. The reported three-part format, covering stunts, camera presence and dialogue, reflects the physical and dramatic demands of the role.
Jacob Elordi, the Australian actor reported in January to have auditioned for Villeneuve and once tipped as the frontrunner, is now said not to be testing, a shift that has drawn attention among fans.
Bond films also have a following among Indian cinema audiences, so the casting announcement, expected before the end of the year, will be watched in India too.
All of this is based on insider accounts. Amazon MGM has not confirmed the candidates or the testing schedule, and the final decision may not be announced for some weeks.
James Bond casting: what has been reported Item | Detail Stage | Final screen tests Timing | From as early as October 23, 2026 Named candidates | Jack Lowden, Callum Turner; Josh O'Connor in one report Director | Denis Villeneuve
Impact
Short-term: Speculation about the next 007 will intensify as screen tests conclude, with an official announcement expected before the end of 2026, according to the producer.
Long-term: The chosen actor is likely to lead several films over the coming decade, and the casting will shape the franchise's tone and its commercial future under Amazon MGM.
Who is affected: The shortlisted actors; Amazon MGM Studios and director Denis Villeneuve; cinema chains worldwide that rely on major franchise releases; and Bond fans, including audiences in India.
Key Takeaway
Final screen tests for the next James Bond were reported to begin on October 23, with Jack Lowden and Callum Turner among the names, though Amazon MGM has not confirmed any candidate.
Questions and Answers
Who are the actors testing to be the next James Bond?
Hollywood trade reports name Jack Lowden and Callum Turner, and one report also names Josh O'Connor. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed the candidates.
Is Jacob Elordi going to be the next James Bond?
Recent reports say Jacob Elordi is not among the actors in the final screen tests, though he was described earlier in 2026 as a frontrunner.
When will the next James Bond be announced?
Producer Amy Pascal has said an announcement should come before the end of 2026, with filming planned for 2027.
What happens in a James Bond screen test?
According to the reports, the final tests cover three parts: stunts, presence on camera and dialogue. They let director Denis Villeneuve and the producers compare how each candidate handles action scenes, looks on screen and delivers lines before a final choice is made.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
By Tanishq Bhatt, Entertainment WriterCovers Entertainment and more for Peepals Global. All stories by Tanishq Bhatt
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Tanishq Bhatt is a pen name of the Peepals Global Editorial Team, which researches, fact-checks and publishes every story. The portrait is an illustration.
