Race for new Bond gets stirred, not shaken

Pierce Brosnan backs Callum Turner as bookmakers slash odds; Josh O'Connor and Jack Lowden also remain contenders

Callum Turner has emerged as the leading contender to become the next James Bond, with former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan endorsing the British star as speculation intensifies following reported final screen tests for the coveted role in the forthcoming film directed by Denis Villeneuve.

Bookmaker William Hill has shortened Turner's odds of landing the role from 3/1 to 8/13, placing him ahead of previous favourite Jack Lowden, whose odds now stand at 2/1. Josh O'Connor follows at 9/2, while Richard Madden, Robert Pattinson and Joe Alwyn are listed at 16/1.

The latest momentum follows reports that Turner stepped down as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, the production company he founded with his wife, singer Dua Lipa, last August. The move fuelled speculation that his professional priorities could be shifting towards a major new commitment, although no official connection to the Bond casting process has been established.

The couple also shared photographs on social media over the weekend showing them dressed for Halloween and sipping martinis, the signature cocktail associated with the fictional British spy.

Adding weight to the speculation, Brosnan, who played Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, praised Turner in an interview with Vanity Fair. The two actors appeared together in the 2017 film 'The Only Living Boy in New York', in which Turner played Brosnan's son.

"Callum is someone I've worked with," Brosnan said. "And he's so strong." He also praised the other actors linked to the role, saying they possessed a distinctive voice, physique, screen presence and longevity.

Turner, 36, has not publicly confirmed any involvement in the casting process. His fellow contender O'Connor, also 36, described being considered for the part as an extraordinary and "bizarre pinch-me moment", while declining to offer any further comment.

Lowden, who has also attracted support from his 'Slow Horses' co-stars Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas, told GQ that the speculation was flattering but said he did not intend to add to the noise surrounding the race.

The search has reportedly entered its final stage, with screen tests involving a select group of actors taking place in London. Reports have suggested that the assessments included stunts, camera presence and dialogue, although Amazon MGM Studios has declined to discuss individual candidates.

Producer Amy Pascal has indicated that an official casting announcement could come by the end of the year. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with the film scheduled for release in 2028.

Turner began his career as a model before gaining attention in John Boorman's 2014 drama 'Queen and Country'. He later appeared in the second and third 'Fantastic Beasts' films, playing Theseus Scamander, the brother of Eddie Redmayne's character, Newt Scamander.

His subsequent credits include George Clooney's 'The Boys in the Boat', the 2025 romantic comedy 'Eternity' and the satire 'Rosebush Pruning'. He is also expected to appear in the cyberpunk series 'Neuromancer', due to debut on Apple TV in January, and is currently working on two films, 'Possession' and Marielle Heller's sports comedy 'The Comebacker', alongside Tom Hanks.

Whoever secures the role will succeed Daniel Craig, whose final appearance as Bond came in 2021's 'No Time to Die'. The franchise is now under the creative control of Amazon MGM Studios, following a deal worth more than $1 billion with longtime custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson in February 2025.

Villeneuve, known for 'Dune', is directing the 26th official Bond film, with Steven Knight, creator of 'Peaky Blinders', writing the screenplay. The choice of the next 007 will mark a new chapter for a franchise whose official films have earned a combined $7.8 billion worldwide.