James Bond shortlist of four actors ‘finalised’ as moves to pick next 007 nears end
The name is Bond, James Bond – but who’s going to play him? Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly closer than ever to making the pick for the next 007.
The long list of actors rumoured to be in the running for James Bond has been narrowed to just four names, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.
Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor, Jack Lowden and a fourth unnamed star have reportedly made the shortlist for the next Agent 007. Nine/getty
Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor, Jack Lowden are reportedly preparing for the screen tests of their lives to try and secure the role of Agent 007, as well as one other actor who hasn’t been identified.
The shortlist of names has not been confirmed by Amazon, however, sources have told both THR and Deadline that at least four screen test offers have been sent out, and are due to start in London on Friday (Saturday AEDT).
It means we could be getting a cast announcement as soon as next week.
Turner, who is married to pop star Dua Lipa, is best known for his work in the Romantic Comedies Eternity and One Night Only. He has been the rumoured front-runner since the initial recasting was announced.
Scottish actor Lowden’s most recent projects include Slow Horses and Pride and Prejudice. He’s a BAFTA award-winning actor who is married to fellow actress Saoirse Rona.
O’Connor is another popular pick. He is best known for his role as washed-out tennis pro Patrick Zweig, in the tennis film Challenges, and the patient Father Jud in the recent Knives Out movie, Wake up Dead Man.
A fourth unknown actor was also reportedly offered a screen test.
Aussie actor Jacob Elordi, who was previously reported as a potential front-runner, reportedly did not make the final shortlist.
The snub for the Aussie star doesn’t come as a complete shock. Just a few months ago, the former casting director for the iconic spy franchise said Elordi would never be cast as Bond.
Jacob Elordi has reportedly been struck from the list. Getty
“It is absolutely essential that [Bond] remains a total enigma,” she told The Independent. She went on to explain that Elordi’s current fame could be the one thing that “loses the audience”.
“We want to know as little about them personally as possible because that’s what spies are,” she said of the perfect candidate.
“We don’t need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are, where he lives. We never want to see him at home. And a vital element of the whole thing is his job description.
“He’s licensed to kill, and we have to believe that he can do that. If you don’t, then you’ve lost the audience.”
She explained that previous bonds Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig “weren’t particularly well known” at the time they were cast.
Daniel Craig as James Bond in No Time To Die. Universal Pictures
Amazon has not publicly commented on any casting decisions, but previously released this statement: “The search for the next James Bond is underway.”
“While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
