Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly screen-tested for the role of James Bond, according to multiple entertainment trade reports published on November 7, 2026. The two British actors join an already crowded field that includes Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor.
The screen tests took place over the weekend of October 24 in London, where Pattinson is currently filming The Batman Part II. Amazon MGM Studios, which now controls the Bond franchise’s creative rights, has not commented on any of the casting reports.
Who Is In the Running for 007?
Five actors have now been linked to the role through trade reports. Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor were the first names to surface. Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult joined the list this week.
All three of the earlier names are 36 years old. Pattinson is 40, making him the oldest among the reported contenders. Hoult is also 36.
Harry Styles has reportedly held discussions about the part. Theo James, 41, has not been ruled out either, according to Variety.
Why Pattinson’s Name Stands Out
Pattinson already leads DC Studios’ Batman franchise. He is also part of the Twilight and Harry Potter film series. Conventional thinking inside the industry had suggested the next Bond would not be a globally known star like Pattinson.
His connection to Bond director Denis Villeneuve adds another layer. Pattinson stars in Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three, which opens on December 18. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the experience “is said to have gone well for the two men”.
Pattinson’s recent work includes Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, A24’s The Drama, and Primetime. He has also worked with directors Robert Eggers, Claire Denis, and the Safdie brothers.
Hoult’s Second Chance at a Major Franchise
Nicholas Hoult was the runner-up to Pattinson for the role of Batman in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film. He later played Lex Luthor in DC’s Superman movies and appeared in the X-Men prequel trilogy.
Hoult will next appear in Amazon MGM’s How to Rob a Bank, which releases in theatres on November 13.
The Batman connection between the two actors has become a talking point. Hoult lost the Batman role to Pattinson years ago. Now both are testing for another major franchise part.
What Insiders Are Saying
A newsletter from The Hollywood Reporter stated that two mystery actors had tested, not one as initially believed. The newsletter described both as “notable and established names, above the level of the still-rising likes of Callum Turner and company”.
Justin Kroll, a reporter for Deadline, posted a hint on X that read: “One stars in a 2026 Amazon pic and another likes to wear a mask”. Fans quickly pointed to Pattinson because of Batman’s mask. Kroll later said that Hoult and Pattinson “were always in the final four tests,” while O’Connor was a late addition.
Kroll also reported that a decision is expected before Thanksgiving.
Producer Amy Pascal on the Casting Search
Amy Pascal, one of the producers of the next Bond film, spoke about the casting process in August 2026. She told Deadline:
“We are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is a stirring and exciting and different”.
Pascal also said that “the end of the year is a good bet” for announcing the next Bond actor.
Former Bond Actors Weigh In
Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in the 1990s and early 2000s, has backed Callum Turner for the role. Brosnan worked with Turner on the 2017 film The Only Living Boy in New York.
“Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong. They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men. Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage”.
Brosnan also praised Villeneuve’s direction. “I think we are going to be blown away,” he said. “[Villeneuve] is such an iconoclastic director. His work is visionary”.
Gary Oldman has supported his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden. Oldman also claimed that the next Bond has already been chosen, though no official announcement has been made.
Lowden responded to Oldman’s comments in an interview with British GQ:
“It’s all very flattering. It’s nice to be mentioned — for any role — and I’m just not really going to add to the noise. It’s very nice, and Gary’s a sweetheart — it’s particularly lovely, coming from someone like him. But I don’t really listen to it”.
Mixed Reactions from Fans Online
Reactions on social media have been split. Some fans are unhappy about Pattinson potentially playing both Batman and Bond.
“Oh god please no,” wrote one user. Another commented: “Bond and Batman I don’t think so.” A third wrote: “Batman and Bond simultaneously? Sorry no it’s too much”.
Other fans showed support. One user on a forum wrote: “He would be great, he is effortless in a suit and action, see Tenet”.
A poll from The Celebrity Post in September 2026 found that 53% of fans said Pattinson would make a good James Bond. A separate poll showed that only 48% of fans wanted Hoult for the role.
The New Era of Bond
The 26th James Bond film will be the first made under Amazon MGM Studios after the company bought creative rights from the Broccoli family in February 2025.
Denis Villeneuve will direct. Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, has written the screenplay. Producers are Amy Pascal and David Heyman.
Villeneuve spoke about taking on the project when his involvement was announced:
“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor”.
Production is expected to begin in 2027, with the studio hoping to finalize casting by the end of 2026.
What We Know About the Screen Tests
The screen tests took place in London over the weekend of October 24. The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that four or five actors were in the mix, but only three names surfaced at the time.
Pattinson was already in London filming The Batman Part II, which made his participation easier to arrange.
Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on all casting reports. No actor has been officially named as the next James Bond.
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The Full Contender List
- Robert Pattinson, 40, currently playing Batman
- Nicholas Hoult, 36, played Lex Luthor in Superman
- Callum Turner, 36, backed by Pierce Brosnan
- Jack Lowden, 36, backed by Gary Oldman
- Josh O’Connor, 36, joined the list later
- Harry Styles, singer-actor, held discussions
- Theo James, 41, not ruled out
Also Read: Pierce Brosnan Backs Callum Turner as Next James Bond: “He’s So Strong”
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