New James Bond Candidates May Be Tested in London

The search for the next James Bond may have entered a new phase: several film publications have reported that actors considered leading contenders are being assessed in closed screen tests in London. According to the reports, the casting process may examine not only acting ability, but also how the candidates perform on camera and in action sequences.

For now, the details should be treated as media reports. No official casting decision is known, and reports do not fully agree on either the number or the identities of the finalists.

Three names recur in the reports

According to The Guardian’s report, Callum Turner and Jack Lowden are among the Bond candidates being tested in London. The publication reported on a narrow group of finalists but did not provide a complete, officially confirmed list of names.

Reports by Empire, IGN and TheWrap also named Josh O’Connor as a possible participant. These publications reported that there were four finalists, but did not clearly identify the remaining candidate.

The fact that the three actors have been mentioned does not mean that any of them has secured the role. In a closed casting process, there may be a distinction between names previously considered, actors invited to test and the final candidates, so even a repeatedly reported list should not be regarded as an official announcement.

Reports describe a wide-ranging screen test

According to The Guardian, the screen tests focus on three main areas: action and stunt-related tasks, on-camera presence, and dialogue and acting. If the publication’s information is accurate, this is not a conventional audition but a screen test assessing several different requirements.

This format makes it possible to assess the same candidate in different cinematic situations. A dialogue-driven scene reveals different abilities from a task based on movement or physical presence.

Assessing on-camera presence separately may also be important because the Bond character is defined by more than spoken dialogue. Gaze, movement, the rhythm of speech and understated humour can combine to shape the impression that audiences associate with the character.

However, test footage does not necessarily reveal what the finished film will be like. Its primary purpose may be to let the filmmakers see the candidates in comparable situations before further discussions begin.

The full list of finalists remains unclear

One of the most important differences between the reports concerns the number of candidates. The Guardian reported a group of three to five, while Empire, IGN and TheWrap mentioned four finalists. The latter reports named Turner, Lowden and O’Connor, but did not identify the fourth participant.

The Times of India mentioned Richard Madden as a possible surprise contender. However, this was not confirmed by the highly reliable film publications listed above, so Madden’s participation remains uncertain.

Empire, citing information from The Hollywood Reporter, also wrote that Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell are not among the actors being tested. As this is not an official studio statement either, it reflects the current state of media reporting rather than an irreversible exclusion.

Why might the lists of names differ?

News about closed casting processes usually emerges through industry sources. Individual reports do not necessarily refer to the same moment or the same group: one publication may have learned about those invited, while another may have information about the candidates who actually appeared before the cameras.

The list may also change during the process. Someone may be invited later, asked to complete another test, or an actor previously under consideration may ultimately not take part in the screen test.

The differing reports therefore do not provide a reliable basis for ranking the contenders. Nor is there any public, confirmed information about how any of the candidates performed in the screen tests.

Nina Gold may be working on the casting process

According to Empire’s report, casting director Nina Gold is working on the project. The outcome of the casting process may shape the franchise’s identity over the longer term, as the character’s tone and the cinematic world built around him may be adapted to the new lead actor.

The complexity of the process may suggest that the filmmakers are not looking for the new Bond on the basis of a single quality. Physical credibility, dramatic acting and a distinctive film-star presence may all play a part in the comparison.

The timing of the announcement and production is uncertain

According to IGN’s information, the identity of the new lead actor may be announced in November or December 2026. The publication presented this as an expectation, so the timing should not be regarded as a fixed schedule.

IGN also suggested that filming could begin in 2027, with the release potentially due towards the end of 2028. These dates should likewise be treated as media reports, as developments in casting, pre-production and production may alter the plans.

An immediate announcement is not inevitable after the screen tests. Assessing the footage, discussions among the filmmakers and any contractual negotiations may take time, so there could be a longer interval between the completion of the tests and a public decision.

The official announcement will be the decisive turning point

Based on reports about the London screen tests, Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are the names that emerge most consistently. The full list of finalists, the possible fourth candidate and the precise timetable for the selection process remain more uncertain.

The next significant turning point will be the official casting announcement. Until then, the reports mainly indicate the wide range of requirements that the actor who may take on the role of 007 in the next cinematic era will need to meet.