Quick summary
- Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly taken part in screen tests for the next James Bond film, according to reports attributed to Variety and Deadline.
- Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed who auditioned, and there is no official casting announcement.
- Reports suggest a decision could come before the end of November, though the studio has given no timeline.
- Separately, Pattinson’s dark comedy The Drama, co-starring Zendaya, is trending on Prime Video and holds a 76% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Robert Pattinson is reportedly one of the actors who has screen-tested for 007, just as his latest film climbs the streaming charts. Riviera Radio, citing Variety and Deadline, says Pattinson and Hoult are on the shortlist to succeed Daniel Craig. None of it is confirmed.
Who is reportedly in the running for James Bond?
According to Riviera Radio’s summary of the Variety and Deadline reports, Pattinson and Hoult tested alongside Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden. Pattinson is 40 and Hoult is 36, which makes them the two best-known names on a list otherwise made up largely of actors in their early thirties.
The report adds that Harry Styles has reportedly held discussions about the role, and that Theo James has been linked to the project. Those are looser claims than the screen tests, and the studio has not addressed them.
Deadline reportedly says the final round of tests took place towards the end of October, after scheduling conflicts delayed the auditions. Amazon MGM Studios, which took creative control of the franchise in 2025, is overseeing the process.
Pattinson’s franchise record is part of the case. Riviera Radio points to The Batman, Twilight and Harry Potter on his CV. He has also already worked with the Bond film’s reported director.
The team behind the next 007 film
The next instalment will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, the Dune filmmaker, with Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, writing the screenplay. Pattinson and Villeneuve are connected through the upcoming Dune: Part Three, according to Riviera Radio.
Hoult is best known for the X-Men films and for playing Lex Luthor in Superman. Turner is a Fantastic Beasts actor, O’Connor starred in Challengers, and Lowden is a lead in Slow Horses.
Some of the franchise’s past figures have already weighed in. Pierce Brosnan has reportedly voiced support for Turner, while Gary Oldman has praised his Slow Horses co-star Lowden. Neither comment is an endorsement from the studio.
The role has been vacant since Daniel Craig’s last outing in No Time to Die in 2021. Craig played the agent for 15 years, starting with Casino Royale in 2006. For context, the next film is reportedly aiming for a 2028 release, with production possibly starting in 2027.
Modus Carry has followed this story before. Our earlier piece, Robert Pattinson Reportedly Screen Tests for James Bond, covers the first reports.
The Drama is trending on Prime Video
While the Bond speculation continues, Pattinson has a hit of a different kind. Digital Spy reports that The Drama was the third most-watched film on Prime Video a day after it was added to the service.
The film, directed by Kristoffer Borgli and released by A24, stars Zendaya and Pattinson as engaged couple Emma Harwood and Charlie Thompson. Their lives are upended when they and two friends are asked to share the worst thing they have ever done.
It holds a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus, quoted by Digital Spy, praises the “career-highlight performances” by Pattinson and Zendaya. The Observer said the film’s success is “largely owed” to the pair.
Not every reaction was warm. Digital Spy notes some backlash over the shocking twist, with some viewers calling the marketing misleading because coverage avoided the plot’s true nature. Salon described the film as uncomfortable, and Mark Kermode called it “excruciating, but in a good way” on his podcast.
What happens next
Reports suggest a Bond announcement could land before the end of November. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed that, so treat the date as unconfirmed. Until an official statement arrives, the names above remain reported candidates only.
The Drama is streaming now on Prime Video. For more on the actor, see everything we publish about Robert Pattinson, or browse our Movies coverage. Another name in the Bond chatter is Jacob Elordi, whom Digital Spy’s related headlines label “Temu Bond” amid 007 rumours.
Frequently asked questions
Has Robert Pattinson been cast as James Bond?
No. Reports attributed to Variety and Deadline say he took part in screen tests, but Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed who auditioned or announced a casting.
Who else has reportedly screen-tested for Bond?
Nicholas Hoult, Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden are named alongside Pattinson. Harry Styles has reportedly held talks, and Theo James has been linked.
When will the next Bond be announced?
Reports suggest before the end of November, but the studio has not confirmed a timeline. The film is reportedly targeting a 2028 release.
Where can I watch The Drama?
The Drama is streaming on Prime Video, according to Digital Spy.
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