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Deadline Reports Final James Bond Auditions Set to Begin
· Confirmed
In Short: Deadline reports that Amazon MGM Studios is setting final auditions for the next James Bond, with screen tests expected to begin as early as Friday, October 23, 2026.
According to reports, a select group of actors, including Callum Turner and Jack Lowden, are expected to participate in these final auditions.
The auditions, which were originally scheduled for earlier this month, have been delayed due to scheduling conflicts among the finalists.
Deadline also noted that even with the tests wrapping next week, there is no timeline for when a final decision will be made.
Steven Knight, the writer of the upcoming Bond film, said in September that the first draft of the script was completed.
The search for the next Bond has been ongoing since Amazon acquired MGM for $8.5 billion in 2021, which included the rights to distribute James Bond.
The auditions are part of a long-running search that has seen numerous actors considered for the role.
Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, along with director Denis Villeneuve, have been narrowing down the list of potential candidates.
Despite the final auditions being underway, it remains unclear when a final decision will be made.
The next Bond film, Bond 26, is targeting a 2028 theatrical release, with production expected to begin in 2027.
Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on the latest reports, pointing back to its earlier statement that it will share news with Bond fans when the time is right.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new James Bond, with some hoping for a surprise choice.
The auditions are expected to be elaborate affairs involving hair and makeup, costumes, sets, and other actors.
Background
Deadline reports that Amazon MGM Studios is setting final auditions for the next James Bond, with screen tests expected to begin as early as Friday, October 23, 2026.
What's confirmed
- According to reports, a select group of actors, including Callum Turner and Jack Lowden, are expected to participate in these final auditions.
- The auditions, which were originally scheduled for earlier this month, have been delayed due to scheduling conflicts among the finalists.
- Deadline also noted that even with the tests wrapping next week, there is no timeline for when a final decision will be made.
- Steven Knight, the writer of the upcoming Bond film, said in September that the first draft of the script was completed.
- The search for the next Bond has been ongoing since Amazon acquired MGM for $8.5 billion in 2021, which included the rights to distribute James Bond.
- The auditions are part of a long-running search that has seen numerous actors considered for the role.
- Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, along with director Denis Villeneuve, have been narrowing down the list of potential candidates.
- Despite the final auditions being underway, it remains unclear when a final decision will be made.
- The next Bond film, Bond 26, is targeting a 2028 theatrical release, with production expected to begin in 2027.
- Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on the latest reports, pointing back to its earlier statement that it will share news with Bond fans when the time is right.
- Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new James Bond, with some hoping for a surprise choice.
- The auditions are expected to be elaborate affairs involving hair and makeup, costumes, sets, and other actors.
What's still developing
- The next James Bond: The (00)7 questions fans want answered Search for new James Bond officially kicks off as auditions begin Writer Steven Knight said in September the first draft of the Bond script was done Only six actors have ever played novelist Ian Fleming's British Secret Service agent 007 in the official film series - Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
- Amazon bought MGM for $8.5bn (£6.3bn) in 2021, which included the rights to distribute James Bond, and they are reported to have paid at least $20m (£14.9m) more for the rights to creatively control Bond's future.
- Sources told Deadline that at least four final screen test offers have been made, and while unconfirmed, "three of the four expected to test are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor".
- With Bond 26 targeting a 2028 theatrical release and production expected to begin in 2027, the timeline for an actor announcement follows a familiar historical pattern, with previous Bond casting reveals typically occurring one to two years ahead of a new film's release.
- Jack O’Connell, who appeared in Sinners, and Jacob Elordi were both mentioned during the speculation, but sources now suggest neither is taking part in the current round of auditions.
- A select group of actors are reportedly heading to London this weekend to prove they have what it takes to wear the tuxedo and save the day.
- Anyhoo, according to The Hollywood Reporter, after YEARS of gossip and rumours, screen test are thought to be taking place this weekend for the final round of auditions.
- Elordi was a fave for a while but as a freakishly tall Australian Oscar nominee, perhaps he was just out of reach (although he is certainly hungry enough to want the part.) As we’ve said before, we don’t have much hope that this new Bond will be particularly daring.
- Craig thought Bond was a laughable example of masculinity and it was a blast to watch.
- According to reports, a number of youngish British actors – definitely three, possibly five – will have their final screen tests.
- To say it has been a long time coming is an understatement.
- Home > Features > Global James Bond Day Global James Bond Day is celebrated every 5th October, marking the anniversary of the London premiere of Dr No in 1962.