Robert Pattinson James Bond casting, Digi Mart USA News: Robert Pattinson has emerged as a late contender in the race to become the next face of the James Bond franchise. According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, the 40-year-old British star screen-tested for the role in late October.
Pattinson joins a list of other reported frontrunners, including Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner and Jack Lowden. Thirty-six-year-old British actor Nicholas Hoult, known for Skins, The Menu and the X-Men franchise, also reportedly tested for the role.
Amazon MGM, the studio behind the film, has not commented on the testing.
Hoult was the second choice to play Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman, but ultimately lost out to Pattinson. In a separate report from Vanity Fair, British pop star Harry Styles, 32, was said to be in discussions for the role.
However, Amazon MGM has not confirmed that any talks took place, or whether Styles has auditioned or tested. Vanity Fair also reported that British actor Theo James has not been ruled out.
The names of many other young stars have also been mentioned for the role, among them Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi. Traditionally, the coveted role has gone to relative unknowns.
Previous agents such as Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig and Sean Connery were not global megastars when they took on the part, becoming household names only after the films were released.
Recent speculation suggests this pattern may be changing. Pattinson has enjoyed a career-defining year, with roles in The Odyssey, Primetime and Dune: Part Three.
He is currently filming The Batman: Part II in London. Last week, former Bond star Pierce Brosnan singled out Callum Turner as someone he admires.
Gary Oldman has backed co-star Jack Lowden, though he walked back a September comment suggesting an actor had already been picked.
Speculation about the next Bond has been building since auditions began in May. Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Arrival, has been tasked with directing the revival, which comes more than two decades after Daniel Craig was cast in 2005.
Craig spent 16 years as Bond and wore the tuxedo for the final time in 2021’s No Time to Die. When asked in 2024 who he would like to see take over the role, Craig responded simply: “I don’t care.”
There has been no confirmation of when casting will be announced officially, but producer Amy Pascal has said an update is expected before the end of 2026.
