Final Auditions for the Next James Bond Reportedly Underway at Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios is preparing to run final on-camera screen tests in London as early as Friday for the role of James Bond, according to reports by Variety.

The Shortlist and the Final Testing Process in London

The search for the next 007 has entered a decisive stage following Daniel Craig’s departure from the franchise in the 2021 film No Time to Die. The studio’s final auditions are scheduled to take place in the British capital over the upcoming days. Casting director Nina Gold is overseeing the selection process for the upcoming feature.

The shortlist features three main British contenders: Jack Lowden, known for his work in Slow Horses; Callum Turner, who appeared in Fantastic Beasts; and Josh O’Connor, known for his role in The Crown, alongside a fourth undisclosed actor. Jack Lowden’s inclusion in the final running gained attention after remarks by his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman, while Jack Lowden’s wife, actress Saoirse Ronan, stated that the matter is not a subject of conversation in our house. Callum Turner addressed rumors during the promotion of Rosebush Pruning at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, responding with a James Bond-inspired smile: It’s far too early to ask that question, and adding that he would not comment on the matter. Jack O’Connell and Jacob Elordi are ruled out from the current screen tests despite earlier speculation. Additional sources indicate that the shortlist may contain up to five candidates, and the auditions will evaluate stunt and action capabilities alongside dialogue scenes and on-camera presence.

Creative Leadership Behind the Next 007 Feature

The upcoming film marks a structural shift for the franchise as the first installment developed under the full creative oversight of Amazon MGM Studios, succeeding longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Denis Villeneuve, director of Dune, is attached to direct the project, working from a script by Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are attached to oversee production.

Public representatives for the actors and Amazon MGM Studios have not issued immediate comments regarding the audition schedule. While industry speculation points toward an official casting announcement before the end of the year, the studio has not yet confirmed a release date or a final title. The studio issued a statement noting: The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we do not plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we are excited to share more news with 007 fans in due course. Daniel Craig previously portrayed the character across five films, following Pierce Brosnan’s tenure from 1995 to 2002.

More on this story: Denis Villeneuve to Direct Next James Bond Film for Amazon MGM · James Bond: Turner, Lowden and O'Connor in final screen tests

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