Culture 3 min read By Lauren Baxter
Pattinson and Hoult Reportedly Screen-Tested for Next James Bond
Actors Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly screen-tested for the role of the new James Bond, who is set to appear in Denis Villeneuve's film.
Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly screen-tested to become the next James Bond, placing two of Hollywood's most prominent young leading men among the late contenders for the role. The reports tie the casting process to Denis Villeneuve's upcoming film, the 26th entry in the franchise and the first Bond movie since Daniel Craig left the part after No Time To Die in 2021.
According to the reporting, Pattinson, 40, and Hoult, 36, both took part in screen tests held in London over the weekend of October 24. Pattinson is currently playing Bruce Wayne in The Batman films, and he has also worked with Villeneuve on Dune: Part Three, which is due in theaters on December 18. The reports describe a good collaboration between the two on that project, a working relationship that may have helped place Pattinson in the conversation. Hoult has played the Beast in the X-Men films and Lex Luthor in Superman. In 2022 he was a runner-up to Pattinson for the role of Batman, which means the two actors have already been measured against each other once before for a major franchise lead.
The notes also name other reported contenders: Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor. Turner was reportedly seen at Bray Studios, the London facility long associated with the Bond films, though that detail has not been confirmed. A rumor that O'Connor has already been cast circulates based on a secondhand account, and it is likewise unconfirmed. No official casting announcement has been made, and Amazon MGM declined to comment on the reports.
The project is being developed under a new structure. Denis Villeneuve will direct the film, with a script by Steven Knight and production by Amy Pascal and David Heyman. Amazon took creative control of the franchise in February 2025, a significant shift for a series that has long been associated with Eon Productions. Pascal has said the new Bond will be announced before the end of 2026, which sets a clear timeline for the studio's decision.
The search for Craig's successor began in May. Craig played the character from Casino Royale in 2006 through No Time To Die in 2021, and his departure opened a lengthy search for an actor to carry the role into a new era under new ownership. Until an official announcement is made, the names of Pattinson, Hoult and the other contenders remain reported rather than confirmed, and the casting decision will determine how the franchise positions itself after its longest-serving star.
Source: reddit.com
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