Screen tests at Bray Studios over the weekend brought the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement to a critical juncture, with Callum Turner beginning auditions on Friday and an unnamed fourth actor exiting the Thames-side production house on Saturday, as the James Bond franchise moves toward a December casting decision under Amazon MGM Studios.
The Bray Studios Screen Tests and Casting Timeline
- Producer Amy Pascal stated in August that casting would likely wrap by the end of the year, setting up a potential 2027 filming start for the upcoming film directed by Denis Villeneuve.
- Trade reports from Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter identified Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor among the actors testing, leaving a fourth mystery candidate unconfirmed by major outlets.
- Amazon MGM Studios assumed control of the franchise following its acquisition of MGM Studios, steering the production forward after Daniel Craig’s final outing in 2021’s No Time To Die.
The Contenders Identified in Trade Reports and Social Media
While industry trades initially placed Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor at the center of the auditions at Bray Studios, online sleuths quickly latched onto other names to fill the gap of the unconfirmed fourth participant. Social media platforms flooded with theories pointing toward actors such as Joe Alwyn, whose connection to casting director Nina Gold—who cast him in his first film role and has known him since drama school—fueled speculation among fans.
Other names circulating in industry discourse include Jack Barton, who appeared in Heartstopper and BBC One’s SAS: Rogue Heroes, a series penned by Bond scribe Steven Knight. Meanwhile, speculation initially linked Jack O’Connell to the mix, though trade sources noted he was not in the mix.
Front-Runners Sidestepped and Out of the Running
Several high-profile names frequently mentioned by fans have been formally ruled out of the current casting cycle. The Hollywood Reporter indicated that Jacob Elordi is not participating in screen tests for the role. Similarly, updates to subscribers noted that Harris Dickinson is no longer in contention, following earlier reports that the Babygirl star had withdrawn due to the scheduling demands of filming four Beatles movies.
Nicholas Hoult, often cited as an ideal fit on paper, has also been claimed by trade reporting as not currently testing for the part. These exclusions narrow the field significantly as Denis Villeneuve prepares to helm the next installment for Amazon MGM Studios.
| Actor | Status in Casting Process | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Callum Turner | Screen tested at Bray Studios | N/A |
| Jack Lowden | Reported testing for 007 | N/A |
| Josh O’Connor | Included in trade shortlists | N/A |
| Jacob Elordi | Ruled out / Not testing | N/A |
| Harris Dickinson | Withdrawn from consideration | N/A |
The Transition Under Amazon MGM Studios
The search to replace Daniel Craig arrives at a transformative moment for the property, following Amazon’s purchase of MGM Studios. Denis Villeneuve, director of Dune, is taking on the project. With screen tests concluding and producers targeting a final decision by December, the studio aims to establish a fresh era for the world’s most famous secret agent.
