‘James Bond’ casting race heats up as six actors reportedly prepare for screen tests in September

The search for the next James Bond is reportedly entering a crucial stage, with six actors said to be preparing for screen tests in early September. The reported shortlist includes Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson, according to Page Six.

The development marks one of the clearest updates yet in the lengthy search for Daniel Craig's successor. Craig last appeared as 007 in No Time to Die, which was released in 2021, and the identity of the actor who will inherit the role has remained officially unconfirmed.

Among the reported candidates, Barton has emerged as the biggest surprise. The actor is considerably less established internationally than Elordi, Mescal, Turner, Lowden and Dickinson, yet Page Six reports that he has become a leading contender in the race. The report says casting director Nina Gold has been searching across the UK for talent who could fit the desired profile for the new Bond.

Barton has credits including Heartstopper, SAS: Rogue Heroes and Poor Things. His relatively limited screen profile makes his reported position particularly striking, especially when compared with the other names linked to the testing process.

Elordi has become one of the most recognisable young actors in Hollywood following roles in Euphoria, Priscilla and Saltburn. Mescal has built his reputation through projects including Normal People, Aftersun and Gladiator II. Turner has also been repeatedly connected with the Bond role, while Dickinson has appeared in films including Triangle of Sadness, The Iron Claw, Babygirl and Blitz.

Lowden has gained fresh attention in recent weeks following reports linking him to the role. He is widely recognised for playing River Cartwright in Slow Horses, adding another established name to the reported group.

The casting process is being overseen by director Denis Villeneuve, who has been confirmed to direct the next Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing, while Steven Knight is writing the screenplay. Amazon MGM has not officially announced the next actor to play Bond, and the reported shortlist remains unconfirmed by the studio.

The reported screen tests are expected to provide a significant opportunity for the candidates to demonstrate how they handle the character rather than relying solely on public speculation or betting markets. Earlier reports had suggested that auditions were already progressing, although the timing has shifted in various reports throughout the year. Euronews, citing earlier reporting, previously said actors had advanced to another round of auditions as Villeneuve and the producers continued their search.

The reported six actor field also highlights the different directions Amazon MGM could take with the franchise. Elordi, Mescal, Turner, Lowden and Dickinson are all familiar names with substantial recent credits, while Barton would represent a considerably less conventional choice for a franchise of Bond's scale.

The new film is being developed as the first Bond feature under Amazon MGM's control of the franchise, following the studio's agreement with longtime Bond rights holders Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. Villeneuve's appointment has already signalled an effort to establish a new creative era after Craig's five film run.