Pattinson and Hoult Screen-Test for James Bond as Villeneuve Is Named Director
Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have both screen-tested to play the next James Bond, Variety reported on 7 November 2026.
The film's studio, Amazon MGM Studios, has already picked a director. Denis Villeneuve will direct the next Bond film, and Steven Knight has been hired to write the script. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are leading the franchise for Amazon MGM. Pascal is producing through Pascal Pictures and Heyman through Heyday Films, according to the official 007 website.
Both screen-test names are already known to large audiences. Pattinson plays Batman for DC Studios and stars in Villeneuve's upcoming film Dune: Part Three. Hoult plays Lex Luthor in DC's Superman films. A screen test is an audition filmed on camera, often in costume, so that directors and studio executives can see how an actor looks and sounds in the part.
Other names have been linked to the role. Callum Turner, Josh O'Connor and Jack Lowden have been reported as rumoured contenders. Variety also reported that Harry Styles has had discussions about the part, and that Theo James has not been ruled out. Screen tests were reported in October by The Hollywood Reporter, which named Turner and Lowden among the actors being considered.
Amazon declined to comment on the casting rumours. No actor has been announced as the next Bond.
The character has been played by several actors since the first film, Dr. No, appeared in 1962. Each change of actor has been a studio decision, and this one is still at the testing stage.
