James Bond screen‑tests slated for London with Callum Turner and Jack Lowden

Amazon MGM Studios plans to film stunt, camera and dialogue tests for the new 007 in London, with two actors confirmed as possible finalists.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:05:23 GMT

Amazon MGM Studios is arranging final screen‑tests for its upcoming James Bond film in London this week, according to Variety and The Guardian.

What happened

Sources tell Variety that the tests could begin as early as Friday and will involve a small group of actors, with Callum Turner and Jack Lowden named as likely participants. The Guardian adds that the tests are scheduled for the weekend and will assess stunts, camera presence and dialogue. Reports differ on the total number of actors, citing between three and five finalists.

What the reports add

Variety notes that casting director Nina Gold is overseeing the audition process and that director Denis Villeneuve will helm the film. The Guardian confirms Villeneuve’s involvement and adds that screenwriter Steven Knight will write the script. The Guardian also reports that Jack O’Connell and Jacob Elordi are not among the actors being tested, contrary to some speculation.

What was said

“It’s very early for that question,” Turner said with a Bond‑esque smirk. “I’m not going to comment on it.”

Variety quotes a Turner representative as declining to comment, while a Lowden spokesperson also declined comment. The Guardian cites a statement from Amazon MGM Studios that the search for the next Bond is “under way” and that the company will share further news when appropriate.

“I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond,” said Courtenay Valenti, head of film at Amazon MGM Studios. “Don’t get too excited. Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”

Villeneuve said, “I said, ‘Maybe it’s a good idea to go back to this project, not out of nostalgia, not because I miss it, but the opposite – I’m tired of it.’ I want to make sure that I will be severe with the material. That I will not be complacent.”

How it came about

Amazon acquired the Bond franchise in a 2022 $8.45 bn deal and has since taken creative control from the Broccoli family. Denis Villeneuve confirmed his directorship on 16 Oct 2026, and Saoirse Ronan downplayed rumors about her husband Jack Lowden on 6 Oct 2026. The current round of testing follows months of speculation after the franchise’s rights shift.

Key facts

Final screen‑tests for the next James Bond are scheduled for this week in London. (variety.com)
Callum Turner and Jack Lowden are among the actors expected to test. (variety.com)
The tests will evaluate stunts, camera presence and dialogue. (theguardian.com)
Denis Villeneuve will direct the upcoming Bond film. (theguardian.com)
Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed the list of finalists. (theguardian.com)