Final James Bond Screen Tests Underway With Callum Turner and Jack Lowden in the Mix
British actors Callum Turner and Jack Lowden are reportedly undergoing final screen tests this weekend as Amazon MGM Studios narrows its search for the next James Bond.
The prolonged search for the next James Bond has entered its decisive phase, with British actors Callum Turner and Jack Lowden reportedly taking part in final screen tests this weekend. Industry reports indicate that both performers are among a tight shortlist of contenders being evaluated to take over the iconic role of secret agent 007.
Turner, 34, recently drew acclaim for his leading performance in the World War II drama miniseries Masters of the Air and has built a prominent profile through roles in the Fantastic Beasts series and The Boys in the Boat. Lowden, 34, has earned widespread critical praise for portraying agent River Cartwright in the espionage series Slow Horses, alongside film credits including Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk.
According to entertainment trade reports, the testing process in London is comprehensive and focuses on three primary criteria: dialogue delivery, camera presence, and preliminary stunt evaluations. Production teams are assessing how convincingly each candidate handles both the sharp verbal sparring of Ian Fleming's character and the demanding physicality required for high-stakes action set pieces.
The role of MI6's most famous operative has remained unoccupied since Daniel Craig stepped down following the release of No Time to Die in 2021. Craig's 15-year tenure across five feature films redefined the character with a grittier, psychologically complex tone, setting a remarkably high bar for whoever inherits the tuxedo.
This casting cycle represents a major transitional moment for the franchise, which is moving forward under Amazon MGM Studios alongside longtime franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has also been linked in reports to directing discussions, signaling ambitious creative plans for the upcoming twenty-sixth installment.
Over the past three years, the rumour mill has linked dozens of British and Commonwealth actors to the part, from Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill to Regé-Jean Page and Damson Idris. While Euphoria star Jacob Elordi had recently surfaced in online speculation, trade sources clarified that he is not participating in the current round of screen tests.
Securing the role of James Bond is widely regarded as one of the most transformative commitments in cinema, carrying intense global media scrutiny and multi-year production obligations. Historically, producers have favored actors in their early to mid-thirties who possess established dramatic credentials without being completely defined by a single cinematic franchise.
Neither Turner, Lowden, nor Amazon MGM Studios have issued public statements regarding the weekend auditions, maintaining the strict confidentiality that typically surrounds Eon Productions' casting operations. Representatives for the production have consistently reiterated that official updates will be shared only after contracts are formally concluded.
With screen tests reportedly wrapping up, an official announcement could arrive in the coming months once creative partners finalize their choice. Whomever the studio selects will become the seventh actor to lead the official franchise, steering one of cinema's most enduring and lucrative properties into a new cinematic era.
Primary source: BBC Entertainment & Arts. Newzly rewrites and structures source reporting for clarity; verify critical details at the original.