James Bond casting narrows to four actors, tests to begin soon

Amazon MGM Studios has scheduled screen tests for four actors as it moves toward casting the next James Bond. Deadline reported that three of the candidates offered tests are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor, while the identity of the fourth remains undisclosed. The Hollywood Reporter added that actors Jack O’Connell and Jacob Elordi will not be participating in the final auditions. Sources said the tests could start this week and run into the following week, though no exact timeline for a final decision has been set.

"It is absolutely essential that [Bond] retains a total enigma," retired casting director Debbie McWilliams told The Independent. "I don’t want to see [Elordi, Turner, Dickinson et al] as Bond because we now know so much about them. We want to know as little about them personally as possible, because that’s what spies are. We don’t need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are, or where he lives … He’s licensed to kill, and we have to believe that he can do that. If you don’t, then you’ve lost the audience."

Producers are also reportedly considering a British actor from the series House of the Dragon for the film’s antagonist. Ewan Mitchell, who portrays Aemond Targaryen in the HBO spin-off, is said to be under consideration for the villain role. A source described Mitchell as having a solid résumé while still being less established than some other names linked to the franchise, fitting the producers’ desire for a fresh face with a distinctive look.

The upcoming Bond film will follow Daniel Craig’s final appearance in "No Time To Die," released in October 2021 after pandemic-related delays.