Amazon MGM Studios has long been looking for an actor to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond. The casting process is in its final phase, and an announcement is likely to come anytime soon. However, longtime fans of the secret agent continue to keep a close eye on the proceedings. Going by the history of the franchise, where a relative newcomer had landed the role, and it might just be the case this time around as well. Even the most popular James Bond actors, such as Daniel Craig, Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan, had not shot to global fame when they landed the role.
However, this time, Amazon MGM Studios might just break a longstanding franchise tradition, if reports about Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult being eyed for the role are anything to go by. Both Hoult and Pattinson are well-established stars with a long list of acclaimed performances in their filmography. Best known for his roles in Twilight and The Batman (2022), Pattinson has been having a tremendous year with appreciated performances in films such as The Drama, The Odyssey, and Primetime.
On the other hand, Nicholas Hoult has proven his acting credentials with roles as diverse as those of a white supremacist group leader in The Order and an innocent youngster grappling with a deep sense of guilt in Juror #2 — two films released in the same year (2024). Much like Pattinson, Hoult is also familiar to comic book and superhero film fans thanks to his turn as Lex Luthor in last year's Superman.
With titles such as Challengers, The Crown, La chimera and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery to his credit, Josh O’Connor is also not that far behind in the race. Reports even say that O’Connor has already been cast in the role.
All three actors could fit the bill for the suave, sophisticated, and charismatic secret agent. However, they face competition from the likes of Callum Turner and Jack Lowden. Each of these actors has credible titles of their own and could fit the criteria for being the next James Bond. Lowden, in particular, has the backing of his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman, whereas Pierce Brosnan has endorsed Turner.
If the tradition is to continue, one of Lowden, Turner or O’Connor should become the next 007 in all likelihood. Judging by the casting rumours, it does not seem like the studio could make a radical move, such as casting a female actor as 007.
Reportedly, Amazon MGM Studios has conducted the final set of auditions for the aforementioned actors. They are expected to make the announcement by the end of the year, with Denis Villeneuve already being attached to the next James Bond film and an early 2027 production being on the cards.
Villeneuve is set to direct the film from a screenplay by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. On the other hand, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are set to produce it for Amazon MGM Studios.