Bond 26 is in active pre-production with Amazon MGM Studios, and the search for a new 007 is well underway with reports that four actors have made it as ‘finalists’ to take on the role
A new era for James Bond is taking shape at Amazon MGM Studios, where preparations for the franchise’s 26th film are well underway. Known for now as Bond 26, the project will reboot the series after Daniel Craig bowed out as 007 in No Time to Die. The first draft of the screenplay is already complete, with Peaky Blinders and Eastern Promises writer Steven Knight behind the script. Taking the director’s chair is Denis Villeneuve, whose credits include Dune, Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival.
Seasoned producers Amy Pascal (Spider-Man) and David Heyman (Harry Potter, Paddington) are steering the project at Amazon MGM Studios. Yet despite considerable progress on numerous fronts, the identity of the next James Bond still remains unknown.
The search for a new 007 is well underway under the guidance of celebrated casting director Nina Gold. The studio is reportedly looking for an actor in their late 20s or early 30s to front the franchise for the next decade.
Reports surfaced this week suggesting the four shortlisted candidates screen-testing for the iconic 007 role are Callum Turner (Masters of the Air), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses), and Josh O’Connor (Challengers), alongside a so-called ‘mystery actor’.
An official announcement regarding the new James Bond is expected before the end of the year.
As debate over the four finalists hotted up on X, many Bond fans appeared to have a clear favourite for the coveted role.
One person declared: “Rooting for Jack Lowden.”
Meanwhile, another fan wrote: “Sending all my good energy to Jack.”
A third simply pleaded: “Jack, please!”
While a fourth exclaimed: “Oh my God, please be Jack.”
Many viewers were also baffled by the inclusion of actor Callum Turner on the shortlist, with some suggesting the 36-year-old simply wasn’t right for the iconic role.
“Callum isn’t James Bond material,” one person remarked.
While another questioned: “How bad has the audition process been for Callum Turner to be in a shortlist.”
A third concurred: “In what world would Callum Turner be able to pull off Bond?”
Speculation was also rife over the identity of the so-called ‘mystery’ actor, with many punters putting their money on Theo James.
However, the 41-year-old has firmly ruled himself out of the running for the coveted role.
Speaking to British GQ, the Oxford-born star insisted he considers himself “definitely too old” for the part, adding that he has no desire for the “hyper-scrutiny and fame” that accompanies the 007 mantle, citing the impact it would have on his family.
Other names thrown into the mix included Bridgerton star Luke Thompson, Cillian Murphy and Henry Cavill.
No official title or confirmed release date for the film has been announced as yet.
Director Villeneuve is currently finishing post-production on Dune: Part Three.
Production on Bond 26 is due to kick off in 2027, with a theatrical release anticipated in 2028.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
