Quick summary
- Robert Pattinson reportedly screen tested for James Bond late last month, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- Nothing has been confirmed by the studio or the filmmakers.
- The same report named Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Nicholas Hoult as other actors who tested.
- Bookmaker William Hill lists Turner at 5/4, Lowden at 7/4 and Pattinson at 3/1.
- Denis Villeneuve is directing the next Bond film.
A Robert Pattinson Bond screen test is the latest twist in the race to play 007. The Hollywood Reporter says the 40-year-old tested for the part late last month, as reported by The Nightly in Australia. It is a reported audition, not an offer.
Beyond the Robert Pattinson Bond screen test
For years the Bond guessing game barely mentioned Pattinson. The Nightly says that changed this past weekend, when the Hollywood Reporter placed him alongside the names most people expected: Callum Turner and Jack Lowden. It also listed a more surprising entry, Josh O’Connor, and a newly revealed one, Nicholas Hoult.
The Nightly adds that Vanity Fair has alleged Harry Styles and Theo James are both still in the frame. That is one outlet’s claim, relayed by another.
The Nightly notes that Daniel Craig was 38 when Casino Royale premiered and was best known for theatre and independent film. It describes Pattinson at 40 as a little older and more famous than the usual profile for a new Bond.
What the bookmakers think
Betting site OLBG, in a market round-up, reports William Hill’s prices: Turner 5/4, Lowden 7/4 and Pattinson 3/1, with O’Connor at 6/1. That puts Pattinson in the top three after entering the race only last week, the site says.
OLBG also notes reports that the shortlist has narrowed to Turner, Lowden and O’Connor, with Turner described as the presumptive frontrunner. Some reports claim he is already negotiating terms. OLBG stresses that none of this has been confirmed, and the odds are a reading of the market, not inside knowledge.
Why Pattinson fits, and why it might not suit him
The Nightly’s columnist argues Pattinson would be the best pick among the known names. The case rests on his range across comedy, drama and action, and on Tenet in 2020, where his character Neil had the polish of a British spy. The piece jokes that no one fully understood that film, including Pattinson, according to co-star Himesh Patel.
There are also working links to the Bond team. Pattinson appears in Dune Part 3, directed by Denis Villeneuve, who is making the next Bond film. One of the producers, David Heyman, was closely involved with the Harry Potter films, where Pattinson made his feature debut as Cedric Diggory.
Yet the same column argues he should say no. Signing on would reportedly lock an actor in for 10 to 15 years, and Pattinson has built a career on unusual projects, including The Lighthouse, Good Time, The Rover and Mickey 17. This year he has four films out, among them Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and The Drama with Zendaya. OLBG adds that his commitment to the next Batman film could complicate any Bond deal.
The pressure on the film
Villeneuve told GQ for its Men of the Year issue that expectations are enormous, saying: “We cannot f*** it up.” OLBG notes Amazon MGM took full creative control of the franchise in early 2025 and turned to Villeneuve, known for Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and the Dune films. Whoever wins the role is likely to carry several films, so producers are expected to favour someone in their late twenties or thirties.
Earlier coverage: Robert Pattinson Bond Odds Close In on Callum Turner and Villeneuve Covers His Eyes. Everything we publish on the actor is on the Robert Pattinson tag page.
What happens next
The casting is said to be nearing its final stages, but no date has been given. Until Amazon MGM or Villeneuve speaks, every name above remains a report. Follow related news in our Movies section.
Frequently asked questions
Has Robert Pattinson been cast as James Bond?
No. The Hollywood Reporter says he screen tested late last month, but no casting has been announced.
Beyond the Robert Pattinson Bond screen test?
According to the report relayed by The Nightly, Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Nicholas Hoult also tested. Vanity Fair alleged Harry Styles and Theo James remain in the frame.
What are Robert Pattinson’s Bond odds?
OLBG reports William Hill at 3/1 for Pattinson, behind Callum Turner at 5/4 and Jack Lowden at 7/4. Odds change often and are not confirmation of anything.
Who is directing the next Bond film?
Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and the Dune films.
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