Overview
- This week Theo James said he has ruled himself out of playing Bond and told Extra that Anya Taylor‑Joy would make a strong 'Jane Bond', framing public debate over whether the role could be recast as female.
- Trade reporting says Amazon MGM conducted on‑camera screen tests in late October and early November that have left a fluid shortlist including Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor.
- Separate reports have also named Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult as having auditioned, though none of the studio’s casting choices have been confirmed by Amazon MGM or producers.
- An unverified Sun report claimed Josh O'Connor was told he got the part after a castmate's tip, a leak that producers and casting director Nina Gold have not publicly addressed.
- Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Denis Villeneuve reported to be directing and Steven Knight writing, have said they aim to announce the new 007 by the end of 2026 to support a 2027 shoot and a multi‑project franchise relaunch.