The search for the next James Bond just got a surprise addition.
Following Daniel Craig's send-off as 007 in No Time to Die, after starring in several James Bond movies, a new era is on its way for the famous spy. The world is actively waiting to find out who will get their chance to portray the beloved Ian Fleming-created character.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that another major Hollywood star has screen-tested for the new Bond reboot, which will be directed by the Dune trilogy's Denis Villeneuve, based on a script by Steven Knight. According to the trade, The Batman's Robert Pattinson has reportedly become one of the latest candidates, as the British star's test is said to "have occurred the weekend of Oct. 24."
However, he is apparently not the only major actor from DC Studios who is testing for the iconic role. THR also notes that Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor in James Gunn's DC Universe franchise, has seemingly also joined the list of contenders, which includes Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor. This wouldn't be the first time that Pattinson and Hoult were up for the same gig, as they both tested for Matt Reeves' The Batman, but Twilight lead ultimately being tapped as the Dark Knight.
Variety is also reporting Harry Styles "has had discussions about the part," while The Gentlemen's Theo James "hasn’t been ruled out." The 26th Bond movie will be the first time the franchise doesn't have Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli's involvement as producers. As Amazon MGM Studios has the full creative rights, the next installment will have former Sony CEO Amy Pascal attached as one of the executive producers, along with David Heyman.
As of writing, Amazon MGM Studios has yet to comment on the report about Pattinson and Hoult. Back in May 2026, when the casting process first kicked off, the official 007 website, along with the studio, stated in an official statement that "the search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
When speaking to Deadline back in August, Pascal teased that the name of the next James Bond could potentially be announced before 2026 comes to an end. The former Chairwoman stated at the time that "I would say the end of the year is a good bet. 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."
As audience members are debating who should be picked, Pierce Brosnan, who is one of the many actors to have played James Bond in the past, commented that he could see Turner as a potential good choice. While stressing that "I’m just an audience member now. I’m just the man in the street who is eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history," the Irish actor commented that "all the men who are on the list now are actors I admire. Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong. They all have a voice, a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men."
Bowden responded recently about his rumored Bond casting test, but didn't confirm or deny whether he had tried out for the part. With Lowdon reportedly still in the running, time will tell who will actually get cast, especially if Pattinson and Hoult are also now being looked at as contenders.
