The wait to find out who will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond may be coming to an end. According to internal sources cited by specialized media, Amazon has called in a small group of actors for this weekend for a sort of definitive screen test that will determine who will don the tuxedo of agent 007.
The announcement is significant because it would put an end to nearly five years of speculation. Daniel Craig said goodbye to the character in 2021 with the release of 'No Time to Die', and since then the franchise has remained in a kind of creative limbo, accentuated by the change in ownership of the saga's rights, which are now controlled by Amazon.
A very small group of candidates
According to leaked information, the number of applicants who have passed the previous filters is minimal: between three and five actors are reportedly prepared to appear before executives for a live performance that will serve as a final test.
Although concrete details regarding the identities of all candidates have not been confirmed, two names have been repeated insistently in rumors over the last few weeks.
Callum Turner, the long-standing favorite
Callum Turner has long been pointed to as one of the strongest names to land the role. His profile had already generated anticipation in previous rounds of speculation regarding the future of the saga, and he is now reportedly among those selected for this decisive phase.
Jack Lowden, the big surprise
The other name resonating strongly is Jack Lowden. His potential candidacy has drawn attention due to his shorter film career compared to Turner's, which would make him one of the most unexpected options in the process.
Actors who are reportedly out
Among the names that, according to this same information, will not be present in this final round are Jack O'Connell, one of the most mentioned in previous months, and Jacob Elordi.
There would also be no chance for a choice that once generated intense media debate: Idris Elba. The actor himself had already clarified that he never seriously considered the possibility of playing Bond, despite the recurring rumors that linked his name to the role.
Denis Villeneuve to lead the new era
The future James Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, which fuels the idea that the saga is heading toward a new narrative reboot. It would not be the first time this has happened: in 2006, 'Casino Royale' served to reset the saga's continuity with Daniel Craig as the lead.
With creative rights now under Amazon's control, the time seems right to start from scratch, presenting a new version of cinema's most famous British spy.
The selection process, according to the cited sources, could be closed definitively after this weekend's tests, although official confirmation from the studio has not yet been produced.
What to expect from now on
Once the actor is chosen, it is expected that Amazon and the team behind the franchise will move forward with the next steps of production, including script development under Villeneuve's direction. For now, there is no official release date or details regarding the plot of this new James Bond era.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new James Bond be chosen?
According to internal sources, the final selection process is set to take place over a weekend in which a small group of actors will perform screen tests to reach a final decision.
Who are the main candidates to play James Bond?
The names most repeated in rumors are Callum Turner and Jack Lowden, although there is talk of a group of between three and five actors in total being considered for the role.
Will Jack O’Connell or Jacob Elordi play James Bond?
According to leaked information, neither of them is among the actors who have reached this final phase of the selection process.
Why will Idris Elba not be the new James Bond?
The actor himself has stated in previous interviews that he never seriously considered the possibility of playing the character, despite the rumors that linked him to the role for years.
Who will direct the new James Bond film?
The next installment of the saga will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, which points to a possible reboot of the character's continuity.
Why is Amazon deciding on the future of James Bond now?
Amazon currently controls the creative rights to the franchise, inherited after the change of hands that followed Daniel Craig's departure from the role in 2021.
