August 31, 2026, 7:32 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The search for the next James Bond appears to be entering a crucial phase. Several media outlets report a significantly shortened shortlist for the role of the famous secret agent. According to the reports, only three actors remain in the running. However, this has not been officially confirmed yet.
The new speculations were triggered by a report from the industry platform “Knight Edge Media.” According to this, Amazon MGM Studios has now narrowed the selection down to three actors. Callum Turner and Jack O’Connell are mentioned. The identity of the third candidate, however, remains a well-kept secret.
Who Will Be the New Bond, James Bond?
Callum Turner is known from the “Fantastic Beasts” films and the series “Masters of the Air.” Jack O’Connell was recently seen in films like “Sinners” and “28 Years Later.” According to “Knight Edge Media,” the third candidate might be Jack Barton. The 31-year-old is relatively unknown in Hollywood, having had smaller roles in “Heartstopper” and “War of the Worlds.” However, according to “Worldofreel.com,” he is considered a favorite and is even referred to internally as “The One.”
What exactly the studio is looking for in the new Bond is not yet clear. However, since all the current contenders are between 29 and 36 years old, there seems to be a trend toward a relatively younger actor. Based on age, the unknown candidate could also be Harris Dickinson (“Babygirl”) or Paul Mescal (“Gladiator II”), according to “Kino.de.” Both 30-year-olds were recently part of the extended shortlist and were considered possible successors to Daniel Craig.
Decision Expected Soon
There are increasing indications that the casting of the new Bond could be finalized soon. According to “Worldofreel.com,” screen tests are scheduled for early September. At the same time, the production of the next Bond film is apparently already in preparation.
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Denis Villeneuve, known for the “Dune” films, is set to direct. The screenplay is reportedly by Steven Knight, the creator of “Peaky Blinders.” Daniel Craig last portrayed the British secret agent in the 2021 film “No Time to Die.” Since then, there has been speculation about who might succeed him.
If the reports prove true and production indeed begins in 2027, the new Bond film could hit theaters in early 2028. This would mean more than seven years between films. However, the only thing confirmed so far is that producer Amy Pascal says the decision on the new James Bond should be made by the end of the year. Until an official announcement is made, the current reports remain speculative.