Bond Reboot Signals a New Casting Approach, With Holland in the Mix

WHO:

Comic Book Resources - Amazon reportedly narrowed its search for James Bond to four actors: Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and an unnamed fourth candidate.

The Independent - Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter named Lowden, Turner, and O’Connor as actors reportedly testing for Bond; the fourth actor’s identity was unconfirmed.

The Independent - Possible fourth-candidate suspects included Jack O’Connell, Jack Barton, and Joe Alwyn. The article said The Hollywood Reporter reported O’Connell had initially been rumored to be in the mix but apparently was not; Barton, 31, appeared in *Heartstopper*, *Poor Things*, and the second series of BBC One’s *SAS: Rogue Heroes*; Alwyn appeared in *Hamnet* and *The Favourite*.

The Independent - The Hollywood Reporter reportedly said Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, and Nicholas Hoult were not testing or no longer in contention. Dickinson was reportedly playing John Lennon in four Beatles films.

Comic Book Resources - Other actors rumored for the role included Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Mescal, Regé-Jean Page, and James Norton.

Comic Book Resources - The article identified six previous Bond actors: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

Comic Book Resources - Gary Oldman, Lowden’s *Slow Horses* co-star, said he had heard rumors about who would be the next Bond, then clarified that he did not know for certain.

Comic Book Resources - Actresses reportedly in contention for the new film included Sydney Sweeney, Margaret Qualley, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Saoirse Ronan, who is married to Lowden.

WHAT:

Comic Book Resources - Denis Villeneuve is directing an Amazon James Bond reboot described as having a new timeline, studio, and lead actor. The article said the project would take a different approach from previous Bond films.

Comic Book Resources - O’Connor, Turner, and Lowden are each 36 and over six feet tall; the article said their casting profiles could indicate a less conventionally debonair, more undercover-agent portrayal.

Comic Book Resources - CBR readers named Lowden their favorite Bond choice, ahead of O’Connor and Turner; the article noted this was not confirmation of casting.

The Independent - Amazon took control of the Bond series after acquiring MGM Studios, the franchise’s longtime backer.

WHERE:

Comic Book Resources - O’Connor is from the United Kingdom; Turner was born in London; Lowden is Scottish.

The Independent - O’Connor was starring in a London play, which the article said could make in-person screen tests difficult.

WHEN:

The Independent - *No Time To Die*, Daniel Craig’s final Bond film, was released in October 2021 after pandemic-related delays.

WHY:

Comic Book Resources - The article suggested Villeneuve might emphasize espionage over Bond’s traditional debonair style, based on the known candidates’ profiles.

HOW:

The Independent - Reports said screen tests were held last weekend to help determine the next Bond; the fourth actor’s identity was not confirmed.

Comic Book Resources - The article said filmmakers would likely wait to cast the first Bond girl until Bond was chosen, allowing chemistry reads with potential actresses.

(UPDATED November 2, 2026 13:00 UTC)

Amazon has reportedly narrowed its James Bond search to Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner, and Jack Lowden. A fourth candidate remains unidentified, despite reports that screen tests took place last weekend. Denis Villeneuve is directing Amazon’s reboot, which will introduce a new timeline and Bond.