Josh O’connor Emerges as the Clear Favorite for James Bond
WHO:
Comic Book Resources - Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Richard Madden were also previously rumored for Bond but were absent from recent casting reports.
Comic Book Resources - Actors named in reports as testing for James Bond include Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Callum Turner; the article says reports described them as the final three.
UnHerd - The Hollywood Reporter reported that up to five actors had auditioned, including Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor.
The Independent - Reports in Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter named Lowden, Turner and O’Connor among actors allegedly testing; the identity of a fourth actor was unconfirmed.
The Independent - Possible mystery candidates discussed were Jack O’Connell, Jack Barton and Joe Alwyn. The article said The Hollywood Reporter reported O’Connell had initially been rumored but apparently was not in the mix.
The Independent - Other actors described as no longer in contention or not testing included Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson and Nicholas Hoult.
Comic Book Resources - Casting consultant Nina Gold was brought in for Bond 26; Denis Villeneuve is directing, and Steven Knight is writing the film.
UnHerd - Villeneuve was described as the director of the next Bond film; the article identified him as a French-Canadian filmmaker known for *Dune* and *Blade Runner 2049*.
UnHerd - The article recounts the Bond actors as Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
WHAT:
The Independent - The article reported that Amazon took control of MGM Studios, the franchise’s long-time backer, through a purchase in January 2025.
UnHerd - Cary Grant was producer Albert Broccoli’s first choice to star in *Dr. No*, the original film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s books.
UnHerd - Ian Fleming called Sean Connery “that fucking truck driver” and criticized his portrayal for “boozily cheapen[ing]” perceptions of English gentility.
UnHerd - Daniel Craig said he would “rather slash his wrists” than play his version of Bond again.
Comic Book Resources - A ScreenRant reader poll showed Lowden leading with 49.8% of votes, followed by “Other” at 29.8%, Turner at 13.3% and O’Connor at 7.1%.
Comic Book Resources - The article said betting odds also made Lowden the heavy favorite; his *Slow Horses* co-star Gary Oldman endorsed him for Bond.
UnHerd - The author argued that O’Connor should be Bond, describing him as having “an angular broodiness, a wiry weirdness” and the presence, mystery and “effeminacy” suited to the role.
The Independent - The article reported that screen tests had been held the previous weekend to help decide who would play Bond.
The Independent - Barton, 31, appeared in *Heartstopper*, *Poor Things* and the second series of BBC One’s *SAS: Rogue Heroes*; the article noted that Steven Knight wrote the series.
The Independent - The article said Dickinson had reportedly withdrawn from consideration, with exhaustion from filming four Beatles movies cited as the apparent reason.
WHERE:
The Independent - O’Connor was reportedly starring in a London play, which the article said could make in-person screen tests difficult.
UnHerd - The article described Bond as plausibly lunching at Scott’s and playing golf at St George’s.
WHY:
The Independent - The article said the pandemic delayed *No Time To Die* before its release.
Comic Book Resources - The film is intended to launch a new era for Bond and bring the new actor back for several sequels; the article said this was why producers sought a younger actor.
UnHerd - The author said O’Connor could bring “an easy, old-fashioned English masculinity” to the character.
HOW:
UnHerd - The article said Cary Grant died 40 years before it was written.
Comic Book Resources - The casting process included screen tests and assistance from Nina Gold; the article said no casting decision was guaranteed.
The Independent - The possible candidates and exclusions were reported through entertainment outlets, a podcast, newsletter coverage and online speculation; the identity of the alleged fourth tester remained unconfirmed.
(UPDATED October 30, 2026 10:02 UTC)
Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Callum Turner reportedly lead the latest James Bond casting tests. The fourth reported candidate remains unidentified, while screen tests are helping producers choose. Denis Villeneuve directs the new Bond film, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay.
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(UPDATED October 30, 2026 08:06 UTC)
Reports say Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Callum Turner are testing to play James Bond. Lowden leads a fan poll, while O’Connor and Turner also remain possible contenders. Director Denis Villeneuve is shaping the next Bond film, but no casting decision is confirmed.