The James Bond Search Just Got Real: Six Actors Set for September Screen Tests

The quest for Daniel Craig’s successor has been ongoing for years, fueled by rampant speculation, betting odds, and social media campaigns rallying behind various favorites. With Amazon MGM now firmly in control of the franchise and Denis Villeneuve confirmed as director, fans have been eager for more than just rumors to surface.

That anticipation may soon be satisfied. Villeneuve and Amazon MGM Studios have reportedly narrowed down the contenders to a shortlist of six actors, all scheduled to screen-test for the role of 007 in early September. According to Page Six, the actors include Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson.

Many of these names will be familiar to those who have followed the Bond speculation over the past few months. Turner has consistently been viewed as one of the top contenders, while Lowden has gained significant traction recently, with producer Richard Osman previously stating that Lowden was being “strongly considered” for the role. Elordi, Mescal, and Dickinson complete the more established side of the shortlist, each offering a unique leading-man profile.

Elordi has gained considerable recognition in recent years through roles in “Euphoria,” “Priscilla,” and “Saltburn,” while Mescal rose to fame with “Normal People” and received an Oscar nomination for “Aftersun” before stepping into blockbuster territory with “Gladiator II.” Dickinson has built an eclectic résumé that includes “Triangle of Sadness,” “The Iron Claw,” “Babygirl,” and Steve McQueen’s “Blitz,” showcasing his versatility across both prestige drama and genre work.

The real surprise on this list is Jack Barton, a relative unknown who has reportedly emerged as a frontrunner despite the star power surrounding him. Casting director Nina Gold is said to have discovered Barton while searching the UK for lesser-known talent to portray the new 007, and insiders have begun referring to him as “The One.” Barton’s experience thus far includes a minor role in “Poor Things” and appearances in British television projects like “SAS: Rogue Heroes” and “Heartstopper.”

This strategy of elevating a lesser-known actor over more recognizable names would represent a significant shift for a franchise that has typically relied on established stars for its leading role. It also aligns with previous reports indicating that Villeneuve and producers are pursuing a specific “prototype” for the character rather than simply opting for the current favorite in betting odds.

Amazon has maintained its usual silence throughout this process, refraining from commenting on the specific names involved and reiterating its earlier statement that it will not discuss casting details while the search is ongoing. This lack of information has only intensified speculation, with betting markets fluctuating week by week as new names emerge and existing frontrunners rise or fall.

With actual screen tests now reportedly scheduled for early September, the long-running guessing game may finally be nearing its conclusion. Whether Barton’s status as an underdog favorite will hold up once the cameras start rolling, or if one of the more established names will take the lead during testing, should become clearer in the coming weeks.

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