Actors Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are among the names reportedly being considered for the role of James Bond, as auditions to replace Daniel Craig enter their final stages.
According to reports, screen tests are expected to take place this weekend, with between three and five actors believed to have advanced to the final stage of the casting process.
The auditions reportedly involve three components, including stunts, camera presence and dialogue, as producers assess the actors’ suitability for the iconic role.
Deadline reported that the screen tests, initially scheduled for early October, were delayed by scheduling conflicts, while Variety said Turner and Lowden appeared to be among the leading contenders.
Sources told Deadline that at least four offers for final screen tests had been made, with three of the four expected candidates said to be Lowden, Turner and O’Connor.
Lowden, known for his role in the television series Slow Horses, is reportedly gaining ground in the race, while Turner, who starred in Masters of the Air, had attracted speculation about the role earlier this year.
O’Connor is known for portraying Prince Charles in The Crown and starring alongside Craig in the 2025 film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
Other actors previously linked to the role include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson and Jack Barton. Jack O’Connell was also thought to be in contention, although sources have suggested he may no longer be involved. Jacob Elordi is not believed to be taking part in the screen tests.
Despite the reported progress, there is no confirmed timeline for announcing Craig’s successor. Deadline said a final decision might not be made immediately after the auditions conclude.
Amazon MGM Studios, which now controls the Bond franchise, announced in May that the casting process was under way.
In August, producer Amy Pascal told Deadline that an announcement towards the end of the year was a possibility, stressing that the team was approaching the decision carefully given the challenge of following Craig’s portrayal.
“We are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow,” Pascal said.
She added that the next Bond would need to bring something different, exciting and compelling to the franchise.
The forthcoming film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Knight confirmed in September that the first draft had been completed.
The film is reportedly expected to be released in 2028, although a confirmed release date has not been announced.
Craig played Bond across five films over 15 years, making his final appearance in No Time to Die, released in 2021.
Only six actors have officially portrayed the British secret agent in the film series, including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Craig.
The next casting announcement will determine who succeeds Craig as the franchise prepares for its next chapter.
Boluwatife Enome
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