A new name has unexpectedly surfaced in the ongoing hunt for the next actor to take on James Bond.
Since Daniel Craig closed out his tenure as 007 with No Time to Die, the Bond franchise has entered a fresh chapter, and fans around the world are eager to learn who will inherit Ian Fleming’s famed secret agent. The casting process to shape the next era of the series is well underway.
The Hollywood Reporter says another high-profile actor has reportedly undergone a screen test for the reboot that Denis Villeneuve—best known for his work on the Dune films—will direct from a screenplay by Steven Knight. According to the outlet, Robert Pattinson, who starred in The Batman, is said to have auditioned the weekend of Oct. 24.
Pattinson isn’t reportedly the only notable performer connected to the DC world to draw attention for the role. THR also lists Nicholas Hoult—who portrays Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s DC Universe—as having taken part in casting evaluations. Other names frequently mentioned in casting conversations include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor. Notably, Pattinson and Hoult previously competed for the lead in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, a role ultimately given to Pattinson.
Variety adds that Harry Styles has been in talks about the part, and that Theo James remains a possibility. The upcoming, 26th Bond picture marks a shift behind the scenes as well: it will be the first entry in the long-running series not to involve Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli in producing duties. With Amazon MGM Studios now holding full creative control, Amy Pascal—formerly of Sony—and David Heyman are attached as executive producers.
At the time of reporting, Amazon MGM Studios had not confirmed the stories about Pattinson or Hoult. When casting formally kicked off in May 2026, 007’s official website and the studio released a statement announcing the search for the next James Bond and saying they would not be commenting on casting specifics during the process, but that fans would be updated when appropriate.
Earlier, speaking with Deadline in August, Amy Pascal suggested the identity of the next Bond might be revealed before the close of 2026. She said the studio was proceeding carefully—especially in light of Daniel Craig’s influential run—and that they were looking for someone who would bring an excitingly different energy to the role.
Among actors watching the casting rumors unfold is former Bond star Pierce Brosnan, who recently said he could imagine Callum Turner fitting the part. Brosnan emphasized he was speaking as an ordinary viewer rather than a decision-maker, and praised the candidates on the shortlist for their acting talents, screen presence, and potential for long careers.
Another name previously linked to casting, Zac Bowden, recently addressed talk that he had screen-tested, though he neither confirmed nor denied having auditioned. With Jack Lowden still reportedly being considered, and Pattinson and Hoult now said to be in the mix, the final decision remains wide open.
Casting directors are understood to be focused on finding a British actor in his late 20s to early 30s who can commit to multiple films and deliver the combination of presence and charisma traditionally associated with Bond—what casting director Nina Gold described as someone who can “ooze sex appeal.” Filming is expected to begin in 2027, so the timeline for selecting the new 007 is tightening.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
