Shortlist for New James Bond 007 Actor Narrows Down to Six Candidates

James Bond is more than just a character; he’s a cinematic legend. Since Sean Connery first brought Ian Fleming’s British superspy to life in 1962’s Dr. No, the role has become one of the most sought-after in Hollywood. George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig have each added their unique flair to 007, transforming Bond into a versatile icon who can be charming, humorous, ruthless, vulnerable, or a mix of all these traits.

With Craig’s final outing in 2021’s No Time to Die, the franchise is now on the hunt for its next Bond.

The upcoming James Bond film, often referred to as Bond 26, will be helmed by Denis Villeneuve, with Nina Gold overseeing casting. While the studio has yet to reveal who will take on the iconic role, a recent report suggests that a shortlist has been created, featuring several of today’s most sought-after actors.

According to the report, screen tests for the role are anticipated to kick off in early September. The shortlist includes one relatively unknown actor alongside five more established names.

Jack Barton is reportedly the unexpected frontrunner. He has appeared in Netflix’s Heartstopper and Steven Knight’s SAS: Rogue Heroes, portraying real-life SAS soldier John Tonkin. He also had a minor role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things as Fop 1.

While Barton’s resume may not scream future James Bond, his lesser-known status could be precisely what the franchise desires. A graduate of the Oxford School of Drama, his low public profile aligns with what longtime Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams has indicated: 007 should remain an enigma, played by someone audiences aren’t overly familiar with.

The other contenders are more recognizable. Jack Lowden currently stars as River Cartwright in Apple TV Plus’ spy thriller Slow Horses, while Callum Turner recently featured in the World War II miniseries Masters of the Air. Turner is also set to portray John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ upcoming series about the Beatles.

Jacob Elordi has been a frequently mentioned candidate for the role, and his recent projects have only fueled the speculation. After gaining fame with Netflix’s The Kissing Booth, Elordi transitioned to more serious roles in Euphoria, Priscilla, and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. He also stars as Heathcliff in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights and leads The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic drama that has received mixed reviews.

Paul Mescal has made a name for himself with emotionally charged performances, starting with his breakout role as Connell Waldron in the miniseries Normal People. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Aftersun and has taken on a larger action role as Lucius in Gladiator II. Mescal also stars as William Shakespeare in Hamnet, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. He is set to portray Paul McCartney in the upcoming Beatles biopic.

Harris Dickinson completes the reported shortlist. He has appeared in Triangle of Sadness, The Iron Claw, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Babygirl, and played Prince Philip in the series A Murder at the End of the World. While his resume may not be as Bond-like as Elordi’s or Lowden’s, he has demonstrated a wide range across prestigious dramas, thrillers, and larger studio productions.

The studio has not confirmed any of the rumored candidates. They have only stated that the search for the next James Bond is in progress, promising to share updates “as soon as the time is right.”

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