#SHOWBIZ: Who will be 007? Jack Lowden, Callum Turner lead James Bond shortlist

LONDON: Reports suggest that the search for the next James Bond has narrowed down to a shortlist of actors. Screen tests for the coveted role are set to commence this weekend, with auditions continuing into the following week. At least four candidates have received test offers thus far. Among the frontrunners are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O'Connor.

The actors will undergo a rigorous three-part audition process, evaluating their stunt abilities, screen presence, and dialog delivery. Lowden gained acclaim for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of spy River Cartwright in the Apple TV series Slow Horses, as well as his standout performance in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. Turner, who recently tied the knot with singer Dua Lipa, received accolades for his lead roles in Apple TV's World War II miniseries Masters of the Air and the romantic comedy One Night Only.

Meanwhile, O'Connor, an Emmy-winning British actor, came to prominence playing Prince Charles in The Crown, and has since been seen in Luca Guadagnino's Challengers and Steven Spielberg's sci-fi drama Disclosure. Notably, O'Connor recently wrapped filming on director Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man, alongside the previous 007, Daniel Craig.

While other high-profile names, such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, and Paul Mescal, were once rumored to be in contention, the casting process appears to be nearing its end. Despite the final stages of the audition process, the identity of the new Bond is yet to be officially announced. Sources close to the production indicate that a decision could be made by the end of the year.

According to Deadline, the search for the next Bond has been ongoing since last spring, following Amazon MGM Studios' acquisition of the creative rights to the James Bond franchise in February 2025.