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Callum Turner emerges as a favourite to become the next James Bond following a reported screen test and a professional decision that has fuelled speculation.
The search for the next James Bond could be approaching its conclusion. After months of speculation over who will succeed Daniel Craig as agent 007, one name is gaining momentum among film industry insiders: Callum Turner. The 36-year-old British actor has reportedly emerged as one of the leading contenders to front the franchise’s next chapter, although no official announcement has yet been made.
According to reports in the British press, Turner visited Bray Studios in Berkshire on Friday, 30 October, where he allegedly took part in a screen test for the role. Auditions reportedly continued throughout the weekend, with between three and five actors selected by the production team to participate.
Until now, speculation had centred on candidates including Jacob Elordi, known for Euphoria, and Jack Lowden, star of Slow Horses. However, Turner’s possible inclusion on the shortlist has reignited speculation surrounding a casting decision Hollywood has been anticipating for years.
One of the clues attracting the most attention concerns his business activities. According to The Sun, Callum Turner has reportedly stepped down as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, a production company he founded last year with his partner, Dua Lipa.
Some media outlets have interpreted the move as a possible restructuring of his professional commitments ahead of the considerable demands of becoming Britain’s most famous fictional secret agent. However, there is no evidence that the two developments are connected.
A source quoted by the newspaper suggested that the actor was making the right moves to take on a character requiring an extraordinary level of commitment. Comparisons with Daniel Craig are inevitable, as he portrayed Bond for 15 years, from Casino Royale to his farewell appearance in No Time to Die, released in 2021.
Interest in Turner is nothing new. By late 2025, his name was already among the favourites with British bookmakers, ahead of other frequently mentioned contenders such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill.
Producer Amy Pascal, who is overseeing the new James Bond film under Amazon, previously revealed that the intention was to cast the lead before the end of 2026. She also explained that the selection process was being handled with particular care, given the challenge of finding Craig’s successor and delivering a fresh interpretation of the character.
Meanwhile, other names have gradually fallen out of contention. Taron Egerton publicly ruled himself out, while several reports suggested that Tom Holland‘s contractual commitments to Marvel could complicate his involvement.
The project will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, with Stephen Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, writing the screenplay. Rumours have also emerged about the possible involvement of Ewan Mitchell, star of House of the Dragon, as the film’s villain.
