British actors Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly participated in screen tests to become the next James Bond, adding two major franchise stars to the closely watched casting process for the 26th installment of the spy series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the auditions occurred in London over the weekend of October 24, 2026. The unexpected development widens a pool of contenders that previously centered on Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor as Amazon MGM Studios and director Denis Villeneuve search for an actor to succeed Daniel Craig.

While the inclusion of two globally recognized performers marks a potential shift from the traditional strategy of casting a lesser-known actor as 007, no official casting decision has been finalized. According to Variety, Pattinson and Hoult entered the mix as late contenders after auditioning for Villeneuve, though Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment on the testing reports.

A-List Contenders Shake Up the 007 Shortlist

The emergence of Pattinson and Hoult challenges conventional industry wisdom regarding how the iconic intelligence officer is cast. Historically, the franchise stewards favored rising talents in their late 20s or early 30s who could commit to the role for a decade without carrying the baggage of another major cinematic character.

Prior to the November 7 disclosures, coverage summarized by InStyle indicated that four screen-test offers had been sent out in October, identifying Turner, Lowden, and O’Connor while leaving a fourth participant unnamed. The Hollywood Reporter subsequently noted that four or possibly five actors were in the mix, with Pattinson and Hoult surfacing as the mystery participants.

Pattinson, 40, is already one of the most recognizable actors of his generation, having anchored the Twilight saga after breaking out in 2005’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. He currently leads DC Studios’ The Batman franchise and has been in London filming The Batman Part II. According to ComicBook.com, a break in production on the superhero sequel provided Pattinson with a window to audition for Bond.

The actor is also experiencing a banner year at the box office and on the prestige circuit.

As noted by TheWrap, Pattinson recently starred in the A24 projects The Drama and Primetime, alongside a supporting turn as Antinous in Christopher Nolan’s billion-dollar summer release The Odyssey. Crucially, Pattinson already has an established working relationship with Villeneuve, having filmed a key role in the director's upcoming sci-fi sequel Dune: Part Three, scheduled for release on December 18.

Hoult brings a similarly substantial studio resume to the table. Notably, Hoult was previously the runner-up to Pattinson during the casting process for The Batman years ago. He is deeply embedded in the comic book movie landscape as well, having starred in the 2010s X-Men prequel trilogy before taking on the role of villain Lex Luthor in DC’s Superman films, including next year's Man of Tomorrow. Hoult also leads the 2026 Amazon film How to Rob a Bank.

A New Era Under Amazon MGM Studios

The willingness to audition established stars underscores the unprecedented nature of the upcoming 26th Bond film. The project will be the first movie produced since longtime franchise custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G.

Wilson ceded full creative control to Amazon in February 2025. According to TheWrap, the tech and entertainment company paid $20 million to secure full creative rights to the 64-year-old spy property, with plans to build out a broader programming slate around the world of 007.

To guide this transition, Amazon MGM Studios brought in veteran producers Amy Pascal, known for the Spider-Man franchise, and David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter films. The studio tapped Villeneuve to direct the feature and hired Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to write the screenplay. The production will mark the first cinematic outing for the character since Daniel Craig retired his license to kill in 2021’s No Time to Die. Craig was cast in October 2005 and headlined five films, including 2012’s Skyfall, which remains the franchise's only $1 billion global box office earner.

Outside the reported testing group of Pattinson, Hoult, Turner, Lowden, and O’Connor, rumors and public endorsements have continued to swirl around the vacancy.

Variety reported that musician and actor Harry Styles has held discussions regarding the part, and Theo James has not been ruled out. Meanwhile, former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan publicly endorsed Callum Turner in early November, according to People, while Gary Oldman voiced support for his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden.

What It Means for Moviegoers and Franchise Schedules

For audiences and industry observers, the inclusion of Pattinson and Hoult raises immediate questions about how either actor would balance the grueling promotional and filming demands of James Bond alongside their existing commitments to DC Studios. Taking on 007 typically requires a multi-picture commitment, which could complicate shooting schedules for future Batman or Superman installments if either actor is ultimately selected.

Below are the key questions surrounding the current state of the casting search:

Will Amazon MGM or the Bond producers confirm that Pattinson and Hoult screen-tested?

It is unlikely that the studio will publicly verify individual auditions. Both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety noted that Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment on the screen-test reports.

Major studios generally keep audition details confidential until contracts are signed and an official press event is organized.

Are Pattinson and Hoult additional candidates, or were they part of the same final group as Turner, Lowden, and O’Connor?

Reporting varies slightly on how the group came together. The Hollywood Reporter indicated that four or five actors tested over the weekend of October 24, suggesting Pattinson and Hoult were the previously unnamed participants alongside Turner, Lowden, and O’Connor. Variety characterized Pattinson and Hoult as late additions to the mix, while ComicBook.com noted that the established stars participated in last-minute reads.

Has a casting decision been made, and when might an official announcement arrive?

Despite comments from actor Gary Oldman claiming a choice has already been made, trade publications confirm that no official casting decision has been established. Participating in a screen test does not guarantee an offer, and Amazon MGM Studios has not set a date for an official reveal.

How will Villeneuve’s schedule and the reported 2028 release target affect production timing?

Denis Villeneuve is currently completing work on Dune: Part Three for its December 18, 2026 release. Because of the director's post-production and promotional commitments, Variety reported that the 26th Bond film is targeting a 2028 theatrical release at the earliest, giving the creative team ample runway to finalize the script and lock in their leading man.

Sources