Actor Jack Barton has reportedly become the frontrunner to take over the mantle of James Bond, following Daniel Craig's departure from the role in 2019. The 31-year-old British actor, known for his role in the Netflix teen drama 'Heartstopper' and the BBC series 'SAS: Rogue Heroes,' is said to be among the actors undergoing screen tests in the coming days.
Sources suggest that casting directors favor Barton for the coveted part, though Amazon MGM Studios, which now holds creative control of the franchise, is reportedly looking for a more established actor. This follows a lengthy period of speculation about who will fill Craig's shoes as the iconic 007.
Debbie McWilliams, who cast previous Bonds including Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, previously expressed a preference for a newcomer. She told The Independent in June that an actor with minimal public personal information would be ideal for the role of a spy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an enigmatic persona.
Other actors frequently mentioned in connection with the role include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Harris Dickinson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, and Henry Cavill. However, Theo James recently stated that he is too old for the part at 41, recalling the intense scrutiny that came with his role in the 'Divergent' franchise and expressing a desire to protect his private life and family.
Richard Osman and Marina Hyde discussed Jack Lowden on their podcast 'The Rest Is Entertainment,' noting that producers are strongly considering the 'Slow Horses' star. They suggested that at 36, Lowden possesses the right age for the longevity required for the role, which typically involves multiple film appearances. Osman described Lowden as having "real Daniel Craig energy" and praised his ability to portray both comedic and action-oriented characters.
The search for the next James Bond has been ongoing since Craig's final film, 'No Time to Die,' was released. Amazon MGM Studios announced auditions were underway in May, promising "exciting 007 news" in the coming months. Bond producer Amy Pascal described the casting process as methodical, acknowledging the challenge of following Daniel Craig's tenure and the need for a fresh, exciting direction for the character. Insiders revealed in late June that director Denis Villeneuve had begun informing actors who had advanced to the next round of auditions.