The race to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond has widened, with Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult now reported among the actors in contention.The Hollywood Reporter said Pattinson, 40, screen-tested for the role in London last month, citing multiple sources. Variety also reported that Pattinson and Hoult tested. The tests reportedly took place the weekend of Oct. 24. Hoult’s exact status is less clear, and neither actor has commented. Amazon MGM Studios, which controls the franchise, has not responded to the reports.
Pattinson and Hoult join Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor, who surfaced in October as holders of test offers. Reports also name pop star Harry Styles as someone who held early talks, though that claim has drawn less corroboration. The overlap has a history: Hoult was reportedly runner-up to Pattinson years ago for Batman.
O’Connor’s name drew its own wave of attention after The Sun reported that a London stage co-star told a colleague, after a few drinks, that he was the next Bond. The story rests on secondhand talk, and nothing in the reporting confirms it. Gary Oldman has also claimed that a new Bond has been cast, backing his “Slow Horses” co-star Lowden, though no studio statement supports him.
The speculation lands as the production team signals movement. Director Denis Villeneuve teased casting news Saturday at LACMA’s Art+Film Gala, then declined to reveal an actor, joking that doing so might alarm producer Amy Pascal. Pascal, who produces with David Heyman, has said an announcement before the end of 2026 is a good bet. Casting director Nina Gold has run months of meetings and auditions, and Steven Knight is writing the screenplay.
Some reports suggest a decision could come by Thanksgiving, though no source with direct knowledge has confirmed that window. Amazon MGM has described its approach as careful and respectful toward the franchise, and executives have said repeatedly they will not hurry the choice.
For fans, the shifting list shows how little is settled. Every name is a report about tests or talks, not a decision, and the studio has revealed nothing about what it is weighing. Villeneuve is also finishing “Dune: Part Three” for a December release, which shapes the timing of any announcement.
