Next James Bond Actor Expected in November or December, 7 Reportedly in Running
Producers of the next James Bond film are expected to name their 007 in November or December. Seven actors, including Jack Lowden, Josh O'Connor and Robert Pattinson, are reportedly in the frame. Denis Villeneuve directs, with filming due in 2027.
The next James Bond actor is expected to be announced in November or December, with seven possible James Bond actors reportedly in the running as of November 9, 2026. Amazon MGM, which owns the franchise, has not confirmed any names.
Producer Amy Pascal said in August that "the end of the year is a good bet". She added: "We are being really, really methodical."
The final screen tests reportedly took place in late October. Unless something unexpected happens, a decision and a signed contract should follow soon.
Who is on the list
A handful of actors are thought to have reached the final screen tests. The names in circulation are:
Jack Lowden, 36, known for Slow Horses and Pride and Prejudice. Josh O'Connor, 36, of The Crown and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Callum Turner, 36, of Masters of the Air and The Capture.
Jack Barton, 31, of Heartstopper and SAS: Rogue Heroes, is also mentioned. So are Nicholas Hoult, 36, of About A Boy and Superman, and Robert Pattinson, 40, of Twilight and The Batman. Paul Mescal, 30, of Normal People and Gladiator II, completes the list.
Three of them are thought to be the frontrunners. A wildcard remains possible, though: Daniel Craig was a surprise choice in 2005.
How the reveal may happen
In earlier eras, Bond actors were unveiled at a photo call or press conference. Some now expect Amazon MGM to make the announcement through its Prime Video streaming service.
Film timeline and creative team
The film is expected to start production in 2027 and be released in 2028. No exact dates have been announced.
It will be the 26th film in the official series, launched in 1962. The title has not been confirmed.
Denis Villeneuve, the French-Canadian director of Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and the recent Dune films, will direct. Last year he said: "I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory."
Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders and House of Guinness, is writing the script. Knight has said writing a Bond film was always on his "bucket list". He added that he felt he was "doing my duty for King and country".
The new film will be the first reboot of the series since Craig's debut in Casino Royale two decades ago.
