The James Bond casting race just gained an unexpected contender. Josh O’Connor has reportedly reached the final screen-test stage as Amazon MGM searches for Daniel Craig’s successor. The Challengers star now joins Jack Lowden and Callum Turner among the publicly identified actors testing for 007. However, the studio has yet to announce who will become the next James Bond.
The ‘Challengers’ star joins Jack Lowden and Callum Turner in the latest 007 casting development
O’Connor, Lowden and Turner have reportedly received offers to participate in the final James Bond screen tests. The auditions could begin as early as Oct. 23 and continue into next week, according to the BBC.
At least one additional actor is reportedly testing, but their identity remains under wraps. Amazon MGM has not confirmed the candidates.
The development puts O’Connor firmly into the 007 casting conversation after months of speculation surrounding other British actors. The 36-year-old won an Emmy for playing Prince Charles in The Crown. He later starred opposite Zendaya and Mike Faist in Challengers.
Lowden, meanwhile, has built considerable momentum in the James Bond casting race. His Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman even sparked speculation last month when he suggested producers had already made their choice. However, Oldman later made clear he was rooting for Lowden rather than confirming an official decision.
Turner has also spent months fielding questions about 007. The Fantastic Beasts star recently called the James Bond speculation “so loaded” while refusing to reveal whether he knew more about the process.
The latest tests mark another major step since Amazon MGM officially began searching for a new Bond. Casting director Nina Gold is overseeing the process. Denis Villeneuve will direct Bond 26, while Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce.
For now, no actor has officially inherited the tuxedo. But O’Connor’s addition makes an already competitive Bond race even harder to predict.
