Pattinson Emerges as Bond Favorite After Screen Tests and Deal Talks

WHO:

The Guardian - Robert Pattinson is reportedly the leading contender for James Bond, with Nicholas Hoult also reportedly tested.

The Guardian - Other reported contenders include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor.

The Guardian - Amazon MGM is the studio and new owner of the Bond series; producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal are overseeing the project. Denis Villeneuve is set to direct, and Steven Knight is writing the script.

Moviefone - Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult reportedly screen-tested for Bond; Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor have also been considered. Moviefone identifies Villeneuve as the director.

Reddit Movies - A post by /u/MarvelsGrantMan136 said Pattinson was reportedly offered a three-film commitment, compared with four-film commitments for Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden.

WHAT:

The Guardian - Matthew Belloni, writing in Puck, reported that Pattinson received favorable contract terms: a three-film commitment rather than the four films required of other shortlisted actors, plus a larger, unspecified fee.

The Guardian - Belloni said the terms “suggests the studio is willing or even eager to sacrifice a bit to get a ‘name’ star to front its most important franchise.”

The Guardian - The next Bond film is the 26th in the official series and the first made by Amazon MGM.

The Guardian - Pattinson has appeared in Twilight, Harry Potter, The Batman and Dune, as well as Bel Ami, Cosmopolis, The Lost City of Z and The Lighthouse. He is currently in cinemas with the reality-crime thriller Primetime.

Moviefone - Pattinson recently worked with Villeneuve on Dune: Part Three; Hoult is identified as a Superman actor.

WHY:

The Guardian - Belloni suggested Pattinson’s reported deal indicates Amazon MGM may prefer him because he is an established, high-profile star. He wrote: “No franchise is bulletproof any more – everything is vulnerable and most can be helped by a value-add element, like an established star.”

HOW:

The Guardian - Candidates were reportedly offered “test deals” before screen tests. Belloni surmised that producers may not have been fully satisfied with the original three-actor shortlist, prompting additional, more established names to enter the process.

Moviefone - Villeneuve is narrowing down his choice, and Pattinson and Hoult reportedly reached the screen-test phase.

The Guardian - Amazon MGM gained “creative control” of the franchise through a deal with its previous producers, Eon.

(UPDATED November 13, 2026 16:03 UTC)

Robert Pattinson is reportedly leading the race to become the next James Bond, after screen-testing. He reportedly received better terms than other contenders, including a three-film commitment and a larger fee. Denis Villeneuve is set to direct Amazon MGM’s first Bond film, with the studio overseeing the franchise.