Overview
- Multiple industry reports in late August say Amazon MGM’s search has moved to final rounds with screen tests scheduled to begin in early September and the studio has not confirmed any casting.
- Page Six and several outlets published a reported six-person shortlist that includes Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson.
- Several outlets identify relatively unknown British actor Jack Barton as a surprise frontrunner, though some other sources claim the field was narrowed to a different three-person finalist list.
- Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the reboot with Steven Knight writing, Nina Gold casting, and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman overseeing a methodical search that Pascal says may yield a name by year-end.
- The choice will shape the franchise’s direction because Amazon MGM appears to want a younger actor who can carry multiple films and the studio’s decision will weigh the trade-off between a fresh, low-profile performer and an established star.