Callum Turner Leads Final Screen Tests for Next James Bond Role
Actor Callum Turner is the first of the final contenders to audition for the coveted 007 role as the six-year search nears its end.
The extensive search for the next actor to portray James Bond has entered its final stages, with Callum Turner undertaking screen tests this week. The 36-year-old actor, known for his role in "Fantastic Beasts," was at Bray studios in Berkshire to audition for the iconic 007 part.
Turner is among a group of approximately three to five actors who have reached the final round of casting. He faces competition from other notable actors, including Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor, both also 36. Australian actor Jacob Elordi, 29, was previously considered but is reportedly no longer in the running.
Bray Studios, a historic production site on the River Thames, is now owned by Amazon MGM Studios, which took control of the Bond franchise in 2024. This marks a significant development in the long-standing process of finding a successor to Daniel Craig, whose tenure as Bond concluded with "No Time to Die" in 2021.
Producer Amy Pascal indicated in August that a decision was likely by the end of the year, with filming for the next installment potentially beginning in 2027. Denis Villeneuve is slated to direct the upcoming Bond film.
The casting process, which began nearly a decade ago, has been described as methodical, with producers aiming for a fresh and exciting direction for the character. Previous actors linked to the role include Harris Dickinson and Jack Barton.
The James Bond franchise has a rich history, with only six actors having officially played the secret agent: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.