LONDON – Speculation surrounding the next actor to embody James Bond has intensified with the emergence of British actor Jack Barton as a leading contender for the coveted role.
Barton, 31, has reportedly attracted the attention of casting directors and is among a shortlist of actors undergoing screen tests, according to Page Six. His recent roles include appearances in the teen Netflix drama "Heartstopper" and the BBC series "SAS: Rogue Heroes." Casting directors are said to favor Barton, though reports suggest Amazon, which now owns the Bond franchise, is seeking a more established star.
The search for a new Bond has been ongoing since Daniel Craig concluded his tenure as the suave spy in 2019. The franchise's future has been under careful consideration, with producers emphasizing a methodical approach to selecting Craig's successor.
Bond producer Amy Pascal stated earlier this month that the process is being conducted with great care, acknowledging Craig's impactful portrayal. "It's got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different," she said.
Auditions officially opened in May, five years after Craig's final film, "No Time to Die." The selection process was impacted by Amazon MGM Studios taking creative control after the Broccoli family's long-standing involvement.
Previous Contenders and Casting Philosophy
While Barton is a new name at the forefront, other actors have been frequently mentioned. These include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Harris Dickinson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Henry Cavill. Theo James, however, recently ruled himself out, citing his age at 41 and expressing concerns about the intense scrutiny that comes with the role, recalling his experiences with the "Divergent" franchise.
James Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams has previously voiced her preference for a lesser-known actor to play Bond, emphasizing the need for mystery. "We want to know as little about them personally as possible, because that's what spies are," McWilliams told The Independent in June. "We don't need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are, or where he lives."
On a recent podcast, "The Rest Is Entertainment," presenter Richard Osman shared that he had heard Jack Lowden's name definitively mentioned as a strong possibility, though he cautioned it was not a done deal. Co-host Marina Hyde added that Lowden, at 36, is a suitable age for the longevity required for the role, potentially starring in multiple films.
Osman and Hyde also discussed public perception of Bond casting, noting that past selections, including Daniel Craig, were not initially favored by the public. They credited producers, particularly Barbara Broccoli, for making bold, ultimately successful casting choices.
Amazon MGM Studios has indicated that more news regarding the 007 casting will be shared with fans in the coming months. The studio confirmed in May that the search was underway and that they would comment on specifics when the time is right.