James Bond Race Heats Up as Josh O’Connor and Callum Turner Respond to 007 Rumors
The search for the next James Bond seems to be entering its final stretch. Amazon MGM Studios is developing the next film with Denis Villeneuve directing from a script by Steven Knight, the first Bond movie since Amazon took full creative control from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Producer Amy Pascal said in August that the end of the year was a good bet for an official casting announcement. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with the film planned for release in 2028.
Several names have come up repeatedly during the search, and 2 of them are now facing questions directly. As Deadline reports, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor are among the rumored candidates, and reactions to the idea of either playing 007 are coming in.
O’Connor, 36, said he was flattered to be in the conversation but wouldn’t confirm or deny anything. He told The Hollywood Reporter that reading the reports was “such an incredibly bizarre pinch me moment,” adding that there was nothing more to say beyond that.
Turner, also 36, has received a major endorsement from Pierce Brosnan. “Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan told Vanity Fair, adding that all the contenders have a voice, a physique and a presence on film.
The 2 actors played father and son in the 2017 film ‘The Only Living Boy in New York’. Brosnan also praised Villeneuve, saying he believes audiences are going to be blown away.
Turner himself has stayed careful. He told The Hollywood Reporter in June that he knew as much about the plans as the public did, and in August he reportedly said he didn’t know anything and couldn’t comment.
Some recent reports have added fuel to the speculation. Turner was reportedly spotted at Bray Studios for a screen test on October 30, and Deadline said final screen tests were set as Amazon moves closer to naming its next 007.
The Sun also reported that Turner stepped down as a director of Twentytwo Films, the production company he launched with his wife, Dua Lipa. An unnamed source said he was making all the right moves to become the next Bond, though there is no official evidence linking the move to the role.
Jack Lowden is also considered one of the frontrunners and has been ahead of Turner in some bookmakers’ odds. His ‘Slow Horses’ co-stars Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas have both backed him.
Like O’Connor, Lowden has avoided fueling the rumors. He told GQ that it’s nice to be mentioned for any role, but that he isn’t going to add to the noise. Despite all the buzz, Amazon MGM Studios hasn’t announced its choice. Neither Turner nor the studio has confirmed an offer, and the final decision could still surprise fans.
With screen tests reportedly wrapping up and the end of the year approaching, an announcement may not be far away. Until then, each new interview adds another twist to one of Hollywood’s most closely watched casting races.
Who do you think should be the next James Bond?
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
