Jack Lowden Emerges as Frontrunner for Next James Bond Role

Jack Lowden is considered the 'clear favorite' to take on the iconic role of James Bond, following final auditions held this past weekend.

Screen tests for the next 007 agent concluded at Bray Studios, with Lowden, Callum Turner, and an unidentified actor participating.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes reported that Lowden has garnered significant public support, with odds favoring him at 8/11, while Turner is at 2/1 and other contenders trail at 16/1. "The Bond race looks to be reaching crunch time and punters are firmly backing Jack Lowden to get the call," a Ladbrokes representative told The Sun. "He's already odds-on and the latest speculation has only fuelled support for him, with Callum Turner looking like his biggest threat."

Speculation is also circulating about the identity of the mystery actor. Social media theories have frequently pointed to Joe Alwyn, known for his roles in "Conversations With Friends" and "The Brutalist." Fans suggest his potential involvement could be the reason for his anonymity during the audition process, citing his known connection with casting director Nina Gold.

The final stages of the audition process are understood to have involved three to five actors over the weekend. A source indicated to the Daily Mail that the search for Daniel Craig's successor has been a lengthy process. Callum Turner auditioned on Friday, with the following three days described as "very interesting indeed."

Bray Studios, a historic production facility now owned by Amazon MGM Studios, which controls the Bond franchise, hosted the recent screen tests. The selection process for Bond is nearing its conclusion, a decade after Daniel Craig took over the role.

Producers have been methodical in their search. In August, Bond producer Amy Pascal stated that the casting process was expected to conclude by the end of the year, potentially allowing filming for the next movie to commence in 2027. Denis Villeneuve, set to direct the upcoming Bond film, announced in May that the casting process was underway.

Pascal emphasized the need for a casting that is "something really different that is stirring and exciting and different," acknowledging the challenge of following Daniel Craig's tenure.

Other actors previously linked to the role include Harris Dickinson and Jack Barton. Callum Turner, a prominent contender, has been widely reported as a frontrunner for some time. Josh O'Connor and Jacob Elordi were also mentioned as being in the running, though Elordi's nationality has drawn some commentary from fans who prefer a British actor for the part.

The official James Bond film series has featured six actors in the role: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.