The announcement of the next James Bond is getting closer. Reports suggest that final screen tests for the iconic role are now taking place.
The latest shortlist reportedly includes actors Callum Turner and Jack Lowden.
Reports disagree about the third candidate. Deadline names English actor Josh O’Connor, while The Hollywood Reporter points to Jack O’Connell.
Some sources also mention a fourth mystery actor. However, they have not revealed the person’s identity.
An announcement is close
Back in August, ‘Bond’ producer Amy Pascal told Deadline that fans should expect to find out the new identity of the most famous secret agent in the world by the end of 2026.
“We are being very, very methodical,” she said at the time.
“I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow, and it’s got to be something that is stirring, and exciting, and different.”
If the rumours are true, then the new James Bond will be a little younger than his predecessor.
Daniel Craig was 38 when he debuted as the 007 agent in ‘Casino Royale’, while all four actors who are currently being considered are 36, as all were born in 1990.
A closer look at the candidates
Scottish actor Jack Lowden has emerged as the most supported choice so far.
The actor starred in Christopher Nolan’s WWII drama ‘Dunkirk’ back in 2017, portrayed a young version of The Smiths’ Morrissey in ‘England Is Mine’, and is currently playing a lead role in Apple TV’s spy thriller ‘Slow Horses’ alongside Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas.
His filmography, and the variety of his roles, show a talent for comical characters as well as more serious, complex ones – he truly can do it all.
Another safe choice would be ‘Mr. Dua Lipa’ Callum Turner, who has proved himself in multiple dramatic roles in the last few years, from WWII-set miniseries ‘Masters of the Air’ to ‘War and Peace’.
He also starred in two of the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ installments, and in ‘Eternity’, a quirky rom-com also starring Elizabeth Olsen.
This is where it gets trickier: both Josh O’Connor and Jack O’Connell sound like wildcards, especially when compared to the other two choices.
Massive rise
O’Connor has had a massive rise in the last few years, navigating both dramatic and unusual roles, jumping from blockbusters to indie movies.
He portrayed a mysterious archaeologist (and grave robber) in the Italian indie film ‘La Chimera’, then played a charming, disgraced tennis player in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Challengers’.
He then starred in the hit Netflix movie ‘Wake Up Dead Man’, where he played a priest, and earlier this year he was in the latest Steven Spielberg movie, ‘Disclosure Day’.
His ‘boy next door’ looks and general lovable personality make an odd choice for Bond, but not necessarily a bad one.
On the other hand, O’Connell has been linked with various ‘bad boy’ roles.
He debuted as an actor when he was just 19 in the British teen series ‘Skins’, where he played the troubled James Cook, a character which every millennial remembers with fondness.
In 2014, he starred in Angelina Jolie’s intense drama ‘Unbroken’, and just recently he played a ruthless vampire in the Oscar-winning feature ‘Sinners’.
A Bond played by O’Connell would definitely be different, possibly rougher around the edges, but definitely interesting.
Fans post their preferences online
Since the rumours started, fans have been expressing their preferences online, explaining why they think their choice would be the best one.
“I’ve been quietly hoping for Lowden as Bond since ‘Dunkirk’ – it’s that blend of steely heroism and dashing focus,” a fan wrote on X.
“Callum Turner should be the next James Bond,” someone else posted.
“He has the look, the charm, and that classic British appeal that fits the role so well. He just makes the most sense to me,” they added.
One thing is certain – not everybody will be happy. But we sure are once again ready for an entertaining ride.
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