Next James Bond Casting: Callum Turner and Jack Lowden Reportedly Set for Screen Tests as Jacob Elordi Misses Out
The search for the next James Bond has reportedly entered an important stage, with British actor Callum Turner and Scottish actor Jack Lowden emerging as potential candidates for screen tests for the iconic 007 role. Reports published on October 22 and 23, 2026, suggested that the next round of auditions was expected to take place in London, bringing the closely watched casting process closer to a decision.
The reports also indicated that Jacob Elordi, who had previously been linked to the role in media speculation, was not expected to take part in the screen tests. However, Amazon MGM Studios has not officially confirmed the reported shortlist, and no actor has been publicly announced as Daniel Craig’s successor. (Variety, The Guardian)
The casting process is attracting attention because the next film will introduce a new actor as one of cinema’s most recognisable secret agents. With Denis Villeneuve attached to direct and Steven Knight writing the screenplay, the project is taking shape, even as the identity of the next 007 remains unconfirmed.
Next James Bond: What the Latest Reports Say
According to entertainment-industry reporting, screen tests for the next James Bond film were expected to begin in London during the weekend of October 23 and continue into the following week. Callum Turner and Jack Lowden were among the actors reported to be in contention.
The exact number of candidates remained unclear. Reports cited estimates ranging from three to five actors, while other coverage identified Josh O’Connor as another possible finalist. The different accounts show why the reported names should not be treated as an officially confirmed casting list. (TheWrap, Variety)
The screen tests were reportedly designed to assess several aspects of an actor’s suitability for Bond, including stunt performance, camera presence and dialogue delivery. These elements matter because the role requires more than simply resembling the traditional image of a spy. The performer must also handle action sequences, dramatic scenes and the character’s distinctive personality.
Neither Turner nor Lowden had been officially named as the next James Bond in the reports cited here. Their reported involvement represents a development in the casting process, not confirmation that either actor has secured the role.
Callum Turner: Why He Is Being Linked to 007
Callum Turner has become a prominent name in speculation about the next James Bond. The English actor is known for projects including Fantastic Beasts, Emma and the television miniseries Masters of the Air.
Turner’s screen career has included historical drama, fantasy and contemporary romantic comedy. That variety gives casting observers material to discuss when considering whether he could fit a franchise that combines action, espionage and character-driven storytelling.
His name had circulated in Bond speculation before the October screen-test reports. However, earlier rumours and betting-market interest are not evidence that a casting decision has been made.
Turner has previously avoided confirming the speculation publicly. In comments reported earlier in 2026, he declined to offer a definitive answer about the possibility of playing Bond. His reported presence among potential screen-test candidates has renewed attention, but the studio has not confirmed his participation.
If Turner were selected, he would take over from Daniel Craig, whose final appearance as Bond was in No Time to Die in 2021. For now, however, Turner remains a reported contender rather than the confirmed successor.
Jack Lowden: The Slow Horses Star in the Running
Jack Lowden is another major name in the latest reports. The Scottish actor is widely recognised for playing River Cartwright in the espionage series Slow Horses, in addition to appearances in films such as Dunkirk and Benediction.
His work in Slow Horses has placed him in a world of intelligence operations, surveillance and political intrigue. That background has made the Bond rumours particularly interesting to viewers familiar with the series, although playing a character in a spy drama does not guarantee suitability for the 007 role.
Lowden’s name had also circulated in earlier casting speculation. His Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman previously expressed hope that Lowden would get the part, adding to public discussion surrounding the actor. Such comments should be understood as personal support rather than confirmation of an official casting decision.
The reported screen tests could give the filmmakers an opportunity to assess Lowden in the specific style and demands of the Bond franchise. Until Amazon MGM Studios announces its choice, though, his status remains unconfirmed.
Jacob Elordi Reportedly Not Taking Part in Screen Tests
Jacob Elordi has also been linked to the Bond role in previous speculation. Known for Euphoria, Saltburn and other film and television projects, the Australian actor has frequently appeared in discussions about potential candidates for major franchise roles.
October reporting indicated that Elordi was not expected to take part in the reported screen tests. The Hollywood Reporter’s reporting, cited by other outlets, also identified him among the actors who would not be testing for the role in this round. (The Guardian)
That does not mean Elordi was ever officially announced as a candidate or formally removed from a confirmed shortlist. The studio has not published a full list of actors being considered, and much of the conversation has developed through reports citing unnamed sources.
His reported absence illustrates the difference between fan speculation and the more private process studios use to cast a major franchise. Many actors may be discussed publicly without progressing to screen tests.
Who Else Could Become the Next James Bond?
Callum Turner and Jack Lowden were not the only actors mentioned in reports about the latest casting stage. Josh O’Connor was also identified by some outlets as a possible candidate for the screen tests.
O’Connor is known for projects including The Crown, Challengers and The Durrells. However, the reports did not present a single, universally confirmed list of candidates. Some coverage named Turner and Lowden, while other reports included O’Connor and suggested that at least one additional actor’s identity had not been disclosed. (TheWrap)
This uncertainty is typical of a high-profile casting process in which studios may keep details confidential until a final decision is ready to announce. The actors named in reporting may be among those under consideration, but the exact shortlist and the status of individual candidates remain unconfirmed by the studio.
For fans, the next significant development will be an official announcement from Amazon MGM Studios or a direct confirmation from the filmmakers.
Denis Villeneuve Will Direct the Next James Bond Film
One major part of the next Bond film is already confirmed: Denis Villeneuve will direct it for Amazon MGM Studios. The filmmaker is known for Dune, Dune: Part Two, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049.
Amazon MGM Studios announced Villeneuve’s involvement in an official statement, in which the director described the opportunity to work on the franchise as a major responsibility. His appointment places an established filmmaker with experience in large-scale productions at the centre of the next chapter of the series. (Amazon MGM Studios)
The director’s involvement has helped shape expectations for the project, but it does not reveal who will play Bond or what the final story will involve. Plot details and the full cast have not been officially announced in the sources cited here.
Villeneuve’s previous films demonstrate his ability to build visually distinctive worlds and balance spectacle with character development. How those strengths will translate to the Bond franchise will become clearer as the production progresses.
Steven Knight Is Writing the Screenplay
The next Bond film also has a confirmed screenwriter: Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders. Knight’s appointment was announced as part of the film’s developing creative team.
His writing credits include crime drama, historical storytelling and character-led television. The Bond project will place him in a franchise with a long-established identity, including espionage, action, international settings and a central character whose interpretation changes with each new actor.
Although Knight’s involvement is confirmed, the film’s detailed plot remains under wraps. Reports about screen tests do not reveal the screenplay’s story, the villains, supporting characters or the direction the franchise will take under Villeneuve.
For now, the confirmed creative team provides a clearer picture of the film’s direction than the unconfirmed casting rumours.
When Will the Next James Bond Be Announced?
Amazon MGM Studios has not announced a definitive date for revealing the next James Bond actor. In its official update in May 2026, the studio said the search was underway and that it would share more information when the time was right. (Amazon MGM Studios)
Reports about screen tests suggested that the casting process was moving forward, but they did not establish a firm announcement date. Even if screen tests are completed, the studio may still need time to evaluate performances, finalise arrangements and prepare an official announcement.
The film’s release date has also not been confirmed in the sources cited here. Any specific production or release timeline should therefore be treated cautiously unless Amazon MGM Studios or the filmmakers provide an official update.
Fans should look to official studio announcements and established entertainment publications for reliable information as the project develops.
Why the Casting Decision Matters
James Bond is more than a single film role. The character has been played by several actors across decades, with each interpretation bringing a different balance of sophistication, humour, toughness and vulnerability.
Daniel Craig’s tenure concluded with No Time to Die in 2021. The next actor will inherit a role with a long cinematic history while also helping define a new era for the franchise under Amazon MGM Studios.
The choice will influence the tone of future films, the way Bond is presented to a new generation and how the franchise balances its familiar traditions with changes in contemporary action cinema.
Turner and Lowden offer different screen personas, while O’Connor has also been mentioned in the reporting. But it is too early to predict who will be selected or how the next film will portray the character.
Until the studio makes its announcement, the most accurate description is that casting reports point to a developing competition, not a confirmed winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the next James Bond actor been announced?
No official casting announcement has been made in the sources cited here. Callum Turner and Jack Lowden have been named in reports about potential screen tests, but neither has been confirmed as the next 007.
Are Callum Turner and Jack Lowden screen-testing for James Bond?
Reports published in October 2026 said Turner and Lowden were among the actors expected to take part in screen tests. Amazon MGM Studios has not publicly confirmed the reported shortlist. (Variety)
Is Jacob Elordi out of the James Bond race?
Reports said Elordi was not expected to take part in the latest round of screen tests. However, the studio has not released an official shortlist, so it is more accurate to describe his reported absence from the tests than to claim he was formally eliminated from an announced competition.
Who is directing the next James Bond movie?
Denis Villeneuve has been officially announced as director of the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios. (Amazon MGM Studios)
Who is writing the next James Bond film?
Steven Knight, known for creating Peaky Blinders, has been announced as the screenwriter for the next Bond film.
When will the next James Bond movie be released?
The sources cited here do not establish an official release date. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed a date in the announcements referenced in this article.
Conclusion
The search for the next James Bond appears to be advancing, with Callum Turner and Jack Lowden among the names reported in connection with screen tests in London. Jacob Elordi was also reported not to be taking part in the latest round, while Josh O’Connor appeared in some accounts of the possible candidates.
However, none of these reports amounts to an official casting announcement. Denis Villeneuve’s role as director and Steven Knight’s appointment as screenwriter are confirmed developments, but the next 007’s identity remains unannounced.
For now, fans will need to wait for Amazon MGM Studios to confirm its decision. Until then, Turner, Lowden and the other reported candidates remain possibilities rather than confirmed successors to Daniel Craig.
