In Brief:
- Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult reportedly screen-tested for James Bond, per Hollywood Reporter, on Oct. 24 weekend.
- Amazon MGM Studios declined comment, and no actor has been announced as Daniel Craig's successor.
- Steven Knight is writing the film, with Denis Villeneuve directing and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing.
James Bond Casting: Two actors with major superhero roles are reportedly in the race to play James Bond.
Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have both screen-tested for the part, according to reports. The winner would take over from Daniel Craig.
What the Reports Say
The Hollywood Reporter first reported Pattinson's involvement on Nov. 6. The outlet cited multiple sources. The tests reportedly took place the weekend of Oct. 24.
TheWrap independently reported Pattinson's test as well. Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment. No actor has been announced as the next 007.
The stakes are high. Craig played Bond in five films. He started with "Casino Royale" in 2006.
He finished with "No Time to Die" in 2021. The next film will introduce the first new leading man in two decades.
Old Rivals in the Batman Race
Pattinson and Hoult have been here before. Hoult was a finalist for Batman. Director Matt Reeves ultimately picked Pattinson for the 2022 film.
Hoult later landed another big role. He joined James Gunn's "Superman" as Lex Luthor. Now the two actors are reportedly up against each other again.
Pattinson, 40, is still busy as Bruce Wayne. TheWrap said "The Batman Part II" was due to resume production in London. Hoult is 36.
Both men are known for earlier hits. Pattinson rose to global fame in the "Twilight" films. Hoult played Beast in several "X-Men" movies.
Other Names in the Mix
Pattinson and Hoult are not alone. Other reported contenders include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor.
Turner is known for "Masters of the Air." Lowden stars in "Slow Horses." O'Connor's credits include "Challengers" and "The Crown."
O'Connor addressed the buzz on Nov. 3. He spoke to the BBC, and RTÉ reported his remarks.
He was at the opening of an education and community center in Cheltenham. He called being considered for Bond an extraordinary experience. He did not say whether he had auditioned.
Former Bond Pierce Brosnan also weighed in on Nov. 3. He spoke with Vanity Fair. He praised Turner as a strong actor. The two worked together on "The Only Living Boy in New York."
A Link to the Bond Director
Pattinson already has a connection to the next Bond film. Director Denis Villeneuve is attached to the project. Pattinson worked with him on "Dune: Part Three."
Pattinson plays Scytale in the film. The character is a shapeshifting figure caught up in the struggle around Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides.
Pattinson shared a story at a March trailer-launch event. Variety covered the event.
He said he once asked Zendaya how to get into a "Dune" movie. They were filming "The Drama" together at the time.
The call came months later. Pattinson said everyone wants to work with Villeneuve. He called the director a master.
Warner Bros. released the final trailer on Oct. 27. The film wraps up Villeneuve's trilogy. It opens in North American theaters on Dec. 18.
The cast also includes Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, Javier Bardem and Jason Momoa.
A New Team Behind 007
The next Bond film has a fresh creative lineup. Steven Knight, the creator of "Peaky Blinders," is writing the screenplay.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing. Tanya Lapointe is executive producer, according to Amazon MGM Studios.
This will be the first Bond movie under Amazon MGM's creative control. The studio announced a joint venture in February 2025.
Its partners are longtime franchise custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The deal closed the following month.
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