The final choices for the next James Bond actor appear to have been consolidated and it comes down to just five in the running. The list has been published by the likes of publishers like Forbes and Deadline if that is any measure of its validity, although we never know what surprises director Denis Villeneuve and writer Steven Knight may have in store.
The Finalists To Play James Bond
- Robert Pattinson (The Batman, Tenet)
- Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Small Axe)
- Callum Turner (Masters of the Air, Fantastic Beasts)
- Nicholas Hoult (Superman, Juror #2)
- Josh O’Connor (Challengers, The Crown)
At the time of this article, Robert Pattinson has been talked about as the front runner. It might, however, conflict with some of the scheduling for The Batman 2 or any of his other engagements (the actor is involved in four major movies premiering this year alone including The Drama, The Odyssey, Primetime, and Dune: Part Three).
Update 11/13/26: Industry reports have indicated Robert Pattinson as the frontrunner, with a 3-movie contract in the works. Other actors, notably O’Connor and Lowden, would be signing a 4-year contract, but for a smaller paycheck than Pattinson.
Final screen tests took place in London in late October 2026. Amazon MGM Studios is expected to formally announce the next James Bond actor by the end of the year. Producer Amy Pascal and industry insiders point to a decision arriving around Thanksgiving or by Christmas, 2026.