The search for the next James Bond has taken a starrier turn, with Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult reportedly joining the final group of actors screen-testing for the role of 007.
According to Deadline, Pattinson and Hoult recently took part in screen tests alongside Jack Lowden, Josh O'Connor and Callum Turner, the three names reported for weeks as likely finalists. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news on Pattinson late on Friday night, citing multiple sources, and Variety confirmed both actors were among those who tested. The tests took place in London toward the end of October, after scheduling conflicts pushed the final auditions back from earlier in the month.
The reports do not fully agree on the details. Deadline said a fifth screen test was added at the last minute, while its reporter Justin Kroll later said Hoult and Pattinson were always in the final four and that O'Connor was the late addition. Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment and has not officially confirmed any of the actors involved or announced its choice for the next 007.
The film will be the 26th installment in the franchise and the first since No Time to Die, which marked Daniel Craig's farewell after five films as Bond. Denis Villeneuve is directing, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the screenplay, and casting director Nina Gold is running the search. It is the first Bond film made since Amazon bought the franchise's creative rights from the Broccoli family in February 2025.
Industry reports suggest a decision could come before the end of November, potentially ahead of Thanksgiving. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with a target release in 2028. Pattinson, 40, is currently filming The Batman Part II in London; Hoult plays Lex Luthor in DC's Superman films and stars in the Amazon MGM movie How to Rob a Bank, which reaches theaters November 13.
