James Bond: These three candidates are competing for the role of the new 007

One of Hollywood's most exciting casting questions is likely to be answered soon: Who will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond? After months of searching, Amazon MGM Studios appears to have narrowed down the field to the final candidates vying for the role of the new 007, according to Deadline.

Three Candidates for the Bond Role

The final screen tests are set to begin as early as Friday and may continue into next week. At least four actors are said to have received invitations for the screen tests. Three names in particular are making the rounds: Jack Lowden, known for "Dunkirk" and "Slow Horses", Callum Turner, and "Knives Out" star Josh O'Connor. However, an official statement has yet to be released.

It's also still unclear who the fourth candidate is. The screen tests were originally scheduled for early October. However, due to scheduling conflicts, they were postponed so that the remaining contenders could audition within the same timeframe if possible. It is also not yet clear when Amazon MGM will make its final decision. Industry insiders, however, expect that by the end of 2026 at the latest, it will be clear who will be serving Her Majesty in the future.

The search has been underway for months

The actual search for the new James Bond began in the spring of 2026. At that time, casting director Nina Gold was hired for the project. After numerous interviews with potential candidates, the process moved into its next phase in the summer. In addition to Amazon MGM, producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, as well as director Denis Villeneuve, are involved in the decision. In September, the invitations for the decisive screen tests were finally prepared. Now it seems that only a small group of actors remains in the running.

There's likely a lot at stake for the next Bond actor. After all, this isn't just about a single movie, but an entire series of films set to be released over many years. Daniel Craig, after all, played 007 from 2006 to 2021.

Amazon MGM Reboots James Bond

Behind the scenes, quite a bit has changed recently for the long-running spy series. After Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise, the search began for a new team to lead James Bond into its next era. Two experienced producers, Amy Pascal and David Heyman, were initially brought on board. Subsequently, "Dune" director Denis Villeneuve was chosen to helm the project. "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight was then brought on board to write the screenplay.

Before the cast is finalized, the story for the new film will be further developed. Exactly how Amazon, MGM, Villeneuve, and Knight plan to reinterpret the character following the end of the Daniel Craig era remains under wraps for now. A release date for the new film has not yet been announced. However, if Bond is confirmed by the end of the year, filming could potentially begin next year. We'll keep you posted!