Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult Screen-Test for James Bond as Next 007 Announcement Nears

The race to become the next James Bond has taken a dramatic new turn. Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly screen-tested for the role of 007, joining a small group of British actors who have now formally auditioned for director Denis Villeneuve. The reports, first carried by The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline in early November 2026, have reignited the biggest casting debate in Hollywood — and with producer Amy Pascal having previously said the new Bond would be revealed before the end of 2026, an announcement could be weeks away.

The Short Answer: Who Is the Next James Bond?

No actor has officially been confirmed as the next James Bond. Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly completed screen tests in London for Bond 26, alongside fellow contenders Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor. Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment, and the decision remains unannounced — although industry reports suggest a reveal could come before the end of 2026.

What the Reports Say About Pattinson and Hoult

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pattinson and Hoult auditioned in London last month, with their screen tests reportedly taking place over the weekend of October 24. Deadline reported on November 6 that the pair had tested alongside Turner, Lowden and O’Connor, while Variety separately reported that both actors had auditioned for Villeneuve. The reports do not say how either actor performed, or whether either has advanced to a final decision stage.

The development matters because a screen test is far more than a name on a wish list. It is a formal, filmed evaluation — traditionally involving the famous office scene from From Russia with Love — and it signals that Amazon MGM and Eon Productions consider both men genuine contenders to succeed Daniel Craig, who bowed out as 007 in No Time to Die in 2021.

A Batman vs. Lex Luthor Twist

There is an extra layer of intrigue to this casting battle. Pattinson currently plays Batman for DC Studios, while Hoult plays Lex Luthor — meaning the two actors who have faced off as hero and villain in the DC universe could now be competing for the most famous tuxedo in cinema. Pattinson also has a direct professional connection with Villeneuve, having worked with the director on the forthcoming Dune 3.

Hoult, meanwhile, has built a career that spans blockbuster franchises and prestige drama, from X-Men and Mad Max: Fury Road to The Great and Nosferatu. Both men are British, which fits the long-standing tradition of the role — every actor to play Bond on the big screen has been from the British Isles or the Commonwealth.

The Other Contenders: Turner, Lowden and O’Connor

Pattinson and Hoult are not the only names in the frame. Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are all reported to have completed screen tests, and the picture has been muddied further by conflicting claims about O’Connor. Recent reports suggested the The Crown star had reached an agreement with Amazon MGM after progressing through the final stages of the process, and Showbiz411 claimed the role had already gone to Turner — but neither claim has been confirmed by the studio or the major trades.

The bookmakers, for what they are worth, currently make Lowden the favourite. The latest Ladbrokes odds place Lowden at 4/6, with Turner next at 11/4 and O’Connor further back at 8/1. Betting markets, however, have a poor record of predicting Bond casting, and the odds shifted sharply as soon as the Pattinson and Hoult news broke.

When Will the Next Bond Be Announced?

That is the question nobody outside Amazon MGM can answer with certainty. Producer Amy Pascal previously promised that the new actor playing 007 would be unveiled before the end of 2026, and Deadline has reported expectations that a decision could come before Thanksgiving — while explicitly noting that the timing is unknown. In a May 14, 2026 website update, Amazon MGM confirmed the search was under way and said it did not plan to comment on specific details during casting.

What is known is the shape of the film itself. Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and the Dune films, is officially locked in to direct Bond 26. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the screenplay, David Heyman and Amy Pascal are producing, and casting director Nina Gold has joined the project. Reports suggest production could begin in 2027, with the film reaching cinemas in late 2027 or early 2028 — which would make this the longest gap between Bond films in the franchise’s history.

Why This Casting Decision Matters So Much

This is not just another franchise recast. Bond 26 will be the first 007 film made under Amazon MGM’s creative control, following the studio’s takeover of the franchise from Eon Productions’ Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The choice of actor will define the series for the next decade — and possibly beyond.

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What Happens Next in the Bond 26 Casting Race?

With screen tests reportedly complete for at least five actors, the decision now sits with Villeneuve, Pascal, Heyman and Amazon MGM. The most likely sequence is a quiet final choice, followed by a staged public reveal — possibly tied to a major industry event or a dedicated announcement. Until that moment arrives, every name in the race remains a reported contender, and the tuxedo remains unclaimed.

Fans should treat any claim that the role is already decided with caution. Until Amazon MGM speaks, the only confirmed facts are the screen tests, the creative team, and the promise of a reveal before the year is out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Robert Pattinson been cast as the next James Bond?

No. Pattinson has reportedly screen-tested for the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, but Amazon MGM has not confirmed him — or anyone — as the next 007.

Has Nicholas Hoult been cast as James Bond?

No. Hoult has also reportedly completed a screen test for director Denis Villeneuve, but no offer, contract or casting announcement has been confirmed.

Who else has screen-tested for Bond 26?

Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are all reported to have tested, alongside Pattinson and Hoult. Reports have also claimed O’Connor and Turner had landed the role, but those claims remain unconfirmed.

When will the next James Bond be announced?

There is no confirmed date. Producer Amy Pascal previously said the new 007 would be revealed before the end of 2026, and reports have suggested a decision could come before Thanksgiving, but the studio has declined to comment on timing.

Who is directing the next James Bond film?

Denis Villeneuve, director of Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, will direct Bond 26. Steven Knight is writing the screenplay, and David Heyman and Amy Pascal are producing.

When will Bond 26 be released?

No release date has been announced. Reports suggest production could begin in 2027, with the film potentially reaching cinemas in late 2027 or early 2028.

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