Callum Turner emerges as Bond favourite after screen test

Callum Turner is now widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond. Reports say he took a screen test at Amazon MGM's Bray Studios in Berkshire over Halloween weekend, and LBC reported on Wednesday that the 36-year-old is "the favourite" after a three-way contest with Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor. Amazon MGM Studios has not announced its choice or confirmed any details of the auditions. The franchise is in its first casting cycle under Amazon, and the hype around Turner is growing as producers near a decision.lbc.co.uk

Reported screen tests

The Daily Mail first reported that Turner arrived at Bray Studios on Friday, October 30, to start the final round of tests, according to NME. Between three and five actors were believed to have reached the last stage. Brisbane Times cited Deadline as saying Lowden, Turner and O'Connor were among the finalists, and that the tests covered stunt ability, dialogue and on-camera presence. Some speculation came from a Sun report that Turner had left a production company he started with his wife, Dua Lipa. However, Parade found in Companies House records that he resigned in December 2025, months before the auditions.brisbanetimes.com.au+2

Prediction markets have also leaned toward Turner. Gulf News reported that on October 28 he had a 45% implied probability on Kalshi's Bond casting market, just ahead of Lowden at 44%.gulfnews.com

Rivals respond, Brosnan weighs in

O'Connor spoke to the BBC on November 3 at the opening of the Everyman Theatre's new education and community centre in Cheltenham, his hometown. He called the speculation "an incredibly bizarre pinch me moment… even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that," according to the BBC. "To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary," he added, before saying there was "nothing to say beyond that," the Independent reported. Lowden told British GQ the attention was "all very flattering" but that he was "not really going to add to the noise," Yahoo News UK reported.independent.co.uk+2

Former 007 Pierce Brosnan praised Turner in an interview with Vanity Fair. "Callum Turner is someone I've worked with, and he's so strong," he said, according to Gulf News. He added that all the contenders "have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film." Turner has not commented on the latest reports. In an August interview with Esquire, he said he "can't comment," the Irish Star noted.irishstar.com+1

Announcement expected soon

Dune director Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the 26th Bond film, LBC reported. Producer Amy Pascal has said the new 007 will be cast by the end of 2026, according to NME. Brosnan urged fans to be patient. "Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage," he said.nme.com+1