Amazon MGM has not named the next James Bond, but the studio is reported to be holding the final screen tests this weekend and through next week. Deadline reports that Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are among at least four actors set to test, while Variety also names Turner and Lowden. Denis Villeneuve is directing the reboot, often called Bond 26, with Steven Knight writing the script.
Last updated on October 24, 2026. Amazon MGM has not confirmed the names of any actor who is testing, and we update this page when a casting announcement or release date is made.
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The James Bond Reboot at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
| Studio | Amazon MGM, which took creative control of the franchise in a deal with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in February 2025 |
| Director | Denis Villeneuve |
| Writer | Steven Knight, who confirmed in September that a draft is complete |
| Producers | Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Tanya Lapointe as executive producer |
| Casting director | Nina Gold |
| New Bond actor | Not announced |
| Reported finalists | Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are named in reports of the final screen tests |
| Release date and title | Not announced |
| Previous Bond | Daniel Craig, who played 007 in five films through No Time to Die (2021) |
Who Is Screen Testing for James Bond?
Deadline reported on October 22 that Amazon MGM is holding the final Bond screen tests over the coming week, starting as early as Friday. The tests were first planned for earlier in October and moved because of scheduling conflicts with the finalists. Deadline says at least four offers went out and names Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor among those testing, and Variety also names Turner and Lowden. TheWrap reported that Jacob Elordi is not screen testing. Amazon MGM has not confirmed who is testing.
Villeneuve is part of the decision group. Deadline reports that the studio, Pascal, Heyman and Villeneuve narrowed the list to its final group after auditions that began in August. Amazon MGM said in May 2026 that the search for the next James Bond was underway.
Callum TurnerActorREPORTED TO TEST
Jack LowdenActorREPORTED TO TEST
Josh O’ConnorActorREPORTED TO TEST
Denis VilleneuveDirectorDIRECTOR
Steven KnightScreenwriterWRITER
Amy PascalProducerPRODUCER
David HeymanProducerPRODUCER
Barbara BroccoliLongtime Bond producerFRANCHISE DEAL
Daniel CraigPlayed Bond in five filmsLAST BOND
Other Actors Linked to the Role
Over the past year, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, Tom Holland, Idris Elba and Jonathan Bailey have all been linked to the role in press reports. None of them is named in the reports about the final screen tests.
James Bond Reboot Timeline
| When | What happened |
| February 2025 | Amazon MGM reached a deal with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson that gave the studio creative control of the Bond franchise. |
| May 2026 | Amazon MGM said the search for the next James Bond was underway. Variety reported that casting director Nina Gold was helping to find the actor. |
| August 2026 | Amy Pascal told Deadline that it was a good bet fans would know who the next Bond is by the end of 2026. Auditions began this month. |
| September 2026 | Steven Knight confirmed that his screenplay draft is complete. |
| October 22, 2026 | Deadline reported that the final screen tests would take place over the coming week. |
When Will the New James Bond Be Announced?
There is no official date for the announcement. Pascal said in August that fans may know by the end of 2026, and Deadline reports that most insiders expect a casting announcement before the end of the year, but Amazon MGM has set no timeline.
James Bond 26 Release Date, Title and Plot
Amazon MGM has not announced a release date, a title or a plot for the reboot. A shooting date has not been announced either, and the reboot can only start production once the lead actor is cast.
James Bond Reboot FAQ
Who is the new James Bond?
Amazon MGM has not announced the next James Bond. Reports name Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor among the actors set for the final screen tests.
When will the next James Bond actor be announced?
There is no confirmed date. Amy Pascal said in August that fans may know by the end of 2026, and insiders quoted by Deadline expect an announcement by the end of the year.
Who is directing the James Bond reboot?
Denis Villeneuve, the director of Dune, is directing.
Who is writing the next Bond film?
Steven Knight, who confirmed in September that a screenplay draft is complete.
Is Jacob Elordi screen testing for James Bond?
No. TheWrap reported that Jacob Elordi is not screen testing.
What is the James Bond 26 release date?
Amazon MGM has not announced a release date or a title for the film.
Who produces the new Bond film?
Amy Pascal and David Heyman produce, with Tanya Lapointe as executive producer. Amazon MGM took creative control of the franchise in a February 2025 deal with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Who was the last James Bond?
Daniel Craig, who played James Bond in five films from Casino Royale to No Time to Die (2021).
Casting details are based on reports from Deadline, Variety, TheWrap and Yahoo Entertainment, and official statements from Amazon MGM. This page is updated when new details are confirmed.
Photo credits, via Wikimedia Commons (images cropped): Callum Turner by Harald Krichel (CC BY-SA 4.0), Jack Lowden by Ibsan73 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Josh O’Connor by Max Surprenant (CC BY 4.0), Denis Villeneuve by Tabercil (CC BY-SA 2.0), Steven Knight by Taylor Rooke (CC BY-SA 4.0), Amy Pascal and David Heyman by Bryan Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0), Barbara Broccoli by Jorge Jaramillo (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Daniel Craig by Montclair Film (CC BY 2.0).
