The search for a new agent 007 has reached its decisive stage. Amazon MGM Studios (the franchise's current owners) are holding final screen tests that are to determine Daniel Craig's successor.
The final tests began in London over the weekend of 23–25 October and may continue until the end of the current week. At least four actors have received invitations to the tests. Three of them are named almost with certainty:
- Jack Lowden — a Scottish actor known for his role as River Cartwright in the series Slow Horses. He already has experience playing a spy, and his co-star on the series, Gary Oldman, publicly supported his candidacy.
- Callum Turner — a British actor who has appeared in Fantastic Beasts, Masters of the Air and recent projects. He is married to Dua Lipa, which adds media buzz around his candidacy.
- Josh O'Connor — the performer of the role of Prince Charles in The Crown, as well as a star of the films Challengers and Wake Up, Dead Man (where he acted alongside Daniel Craig himself).
The fourth name remains unknown for now. At the same time, several sources claim that Jacob Elordi and Jack O'Connell did not make the final list.
How the tests are conducted
The actors are evaluated on three key parameters:
- performing stunts and physical fitness,
- screen presence,
- dialogue work and charisma.
The director of the next Bond film will be Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049). The producers are Amy Pascal and David Heyman, and the casting is being handled by Nina Gold (known for Game of Thrones and The Crown).
When to expect the announcement
There is no official date. Even after the tests are completed, the studio is in no hurry to decide. Most insiders lean toward the view that the name of the new Bond will be announced by the end of 2026. Amy Pascal previously said that the team is approaching the choice "very methodically," because after Craig's 15-year era, a mistake is unacceptable.
After the release of No Time to Die in 2021, the role remained vacant for more than five years. Amazon gained full creative control over the franchise in 2025, and since then the casting process has been conducted behind closed doors. Now, it seems, the home stretch really is near.
While fans argue over who would be best suited to play the classic British spy in the Villeneuve era, the studio remains silent. All that's left is to wait for the official announcement — and to hope that the new 007 proves a worthy successor to the legend.
