Robert Pattinson has emerged as a surprise late contender to become the next James Bond, with reports indicating the British actor, 40, screen-tested for the iconic spy role in late October. The development adds one of Hollywood's most prominent names to what is already a closely watched casting race, with Amazon MGM yet to confirm any of the reported tests or discussions.
Who is in the running for James Bond?
Pattinson joins a field of British actors who have been linked to the 007 role since auditions began in May this year. Among the frontrunners are Josh O'Connor, known for his role in Challengers; Callum Turner from Eternity; and Jack Lowden of Slow Horses. Nicholas Hoult, 36, known for Skins, The Menu and the X-Men franchise, also reportedly tested for the role in late October.
British pop star Harry Styles, 32, is understood to have been in discussions about the role, though Amazon MGM has not confirmed whether any formal talks or auditions took place. British actor Theo James is also reported to still be in consideration. Other names that have circulated include Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson and Australian actor Jacob Elordi.
Amazon MGM, the studio behind the new Bond film, has not commented publicly on any of the testing reports.
Pattinson brings star power to a changing Bond tradition
Historically, the Bond role has gone to actors who were relatively unknown quantities at the time of casting. Pierce Brosnan, Sean Connery and Daniel Craig all became global household names largely because of the franchise rather than before it. The current list of contenders, however, represents a notable shift, with several already well-established stars among those reportedly being considered.
Pattinson in particular is riding a career high in 2026, with roles in The Odyssey, Primetime and Dune: Part Three. He is currently in London filming The Batman: Part II, the sequel to the 2022 film in which he played Bruce Wayne. Interestingly, Hoult was the second choice to play that same role before Pattinson secured it, a dynamic that now sees the two actors on the same side of the Bond audition process. More background on production of The Batman (film) outlines how that earlier casting decision played out.
Industry voices weigh in
The casting speculation has drawn comment from several figures connected to the Bond universe. Former Bond star Pierce Brosnan recently singled out Callum Turner as an actor he particularly admires. Gary Oldman, Lowden's co-star on Slow Horses, has thrown his support behind Lowden for the role, though Oldman walked back an earlier comment made in September in which he suggested an actor had already been chosen.
Daniel Craig, who played Bond for 16 years before his final appearance in the 2021 film No Time to Die, was asked in 2024 who he would like to see take on the role next. His response was characteristically blunt: "I don't care."
What happens next
Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, whose credits include Dune and Arrival, has been appointed to direct the Bond revival. The project marks more than two decades since Craig was first cast in 2005.
Producer Amy Pascal has indicated that an official casting announcement is expected before the end of 2026, though no specific date has been confirmed. With Pattinson's screen test now in the mix alongside an unusually high-profile group of contenders, the final decision is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated announcements in recent Hollywood history.
