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Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult Screen Test for Next James Bond

Updated 6:23 PM ET · 4:35 PM ETConfirmedShare via:          

Entertainment Desk

In Short: Former One Direction star Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly undergone screen tests for the role of James Bond.

Robert Pattinson (Wikidata P18).

Next James Bond: Robert Pattinson & Nicholas Hoult Join Final Screen Tests. Next Series • 208K views • 24 hours ago...

Robert Pattinson, best known for his role in the 'Twilight' series and currently starring in 'The Batman,' has reportedly undergone a screen test for the next James Bond film.

Nicholas Hoult, who has portrayed Lex Luthor in recent Superman films, is also said to have participated in the screen tests.

Pattinson's screen test is notable given his existing working relationship with Denis Villeneuve, who is directing the upcoming Bond film.

Pattinson's audition does not confirm him as the frontrunner, and no official announcement has been made regarding the next 007.

Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has expressed his excitement about the casting process, saying, 'I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond.'

Brosnan, who played Bond from 1995 to 2002, noted the physical demands of the role, explaining, 'You get chipped, you get nicked, you pull muscles, you get stitched up.'

The casting process for the next Bond has also sparked interest from literary fans, with some hoping the new actor will stay true to Ian Fleming's original character.

Alongside the film casting, James Bond is receiving new literary adventures, including an adult novel from author Charlie Higson.

The decision on the next James Bond is expected to be made soon, with speculation continuing among fans and industry insiders.

Pattinson's screen test suggests the casting search is considering performers with varying levels of international recognition.

The casting of Pattinson would mark a departure from the franchise's tradition of casting relatively less established actors as Bond.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• Robert Pattinson, best known for his role in the 'Twilight' series and currently starring in 'The Batman,' has reportedly undergone a screen test for the next James Bond film.
• Nicholas Hoult, who has portrayed Lex Luthor in recent Superman films, is also said to have participated in the screen tests.
• Pattinson's screen test is notable given his existing working relationship with Denis Villeneuve, who is directing the upcoming Bond film.
• Pattinson's audition does not confirm him as the frontrunner, and no official announcement has been made regarding the next 007.
• The casting process for the next Bond has also sparked interest from literary fans, with some hoping the new actor will stay true to Ian Fleming's original character.
• Alongside the film casting, James Bond is receiving new literary adventures, including an adult novel from author Charlie Higson.
• The decision on the next James Bond is expected to be made soon, with speculation continuing among fans and industry insiders.
• Pattinson's screen test suggests the casting search is considering performers with varying levels of international recognition.
• The casting of Pattinson would mark a departure from the franchise's tradition of casting relatively less established actors as Bond.

What's still developing

• The former One Direction star has reportedly discussed playing the next James Bond, according to Variety, adding another unexpected contender to the search for Daniel Craig's successor, more than five years after his final appearance as 007.
• Pierce Brosnan is throwing in his two cents into the conversation regarding who should be chosen to play the next James Bond, nearly 25 years after he last played the iconic character.
• He appeared in his final Bond movie in 2002 with the release of "Die Another Day," and was replaced by Daniel Craig in the 2006 movie, "Casino Royale." Craig starred as James Bond in six films, before hanging up his badge following the release of "No Time to Die" in 2021.
• Announced in February 2025 and completed on 24 March that year, the arrangement placed the James Bond intellectual property rights within the new venture.
• Pattinson's filmography includes two major fantasy franchises.
• The publication reported that Styles had held discussions about playing Bond, while Theo James had not been ruled out.
• After appearing in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005, Pattinson achieved worldwide recognition through the Twilight series.
• James Bond’s preparing for another big-screen reinvention, but Amazon MGM’s upcoming film isn’t the only major development taking place in the franchise.
• According to The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Pattinson, 40, screen-tested for James Bond in London over the weekend of October 24, the same city where, conveniently, he's currently filming The Batman Part II.
• Former Bond 25 director Danny Boyle had also publicly expressed support for Pattinson as a potential 007 back in 2019.
• The case for: Pattinson recently worked with Bond 26 director Denis Villeneuve on Dune: Part Three, which is due for release on December 18.
• In Bond terms, that's practically a raised eyebrow.

Sources

• Complexlink
• International Business Times UKlink
• https://ascendants.in/link
• www.disneydining.comlink
• Gulfnewslink
• WarpBeat — background on Robert Pattinson Screen-Tests for Next James Bond Role link
• WarpBeat — background on Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult Screen-Test for Next James Bond link
• Next Series • 208K views • 24 hours ago... — video link