The search for the next James Bond has reportedly reached its final audition stage, with Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor among the remaining contenders. The successful actor will inherit one of cinema’s most recognisable roles, along with Bond’s famously over-equipped Aston Martin. Deadline reports that the three actors are being considered by Amazon MGM Studios.
Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor are among the actors in the mix to be the next James Bond. They are currently doing final auditions.
— DiscussingFilm, October 22, 2026
The three Bond candidates
Jack Lowden
Scottish actor Jack Lowden is widely recognised for his recurring role in Slow Horses, the Apple TV series that you really should be watching. He is also married to fellow actor Saoirse Ronan.
Callum Turner
British actor Callum Turner led One Night Only, a film described in the source material as a distinctly unromantic “sex purge” story. His inclusion places a performer associated with a less conventional romantic lead in contention for the traditionally suave spy role.
Josh O’Connor
Josh O’Connor played Father Jud Duplenticy, the sad and magnetic priest in the latest Knives Out instalment, Wake Up Dead Man. He also portrayed Prince Charles in The Crown, a performance that gave the future king an unexpectedly glamorous edge.
A shortlist that has prompted a mixed response
The three-name shortlist has not generated universal excitement. One response described Lowden as appealing but stopped short of calling the choice inspiring. Another argued that Amazon MGM Studios had passed over a perfect Bond candidate. O’Connor received the most support of the three, although even that preference was expressed with considerable hesitation.
The discussion has also focused on the narrowness of the casting options. The shortlist consists of three white male actors, prompting criticism from viewers who would like the franchise to choose a performer from a different background. Rahul Kohli was offered as one possible alternative.
No final decision has been announced in the supplied reporting. Until the auditions produce a result, Lowden, Turner and O’Connor remain possibilities for the next Bond film and its inevitable collection of espionage gadgets, high-speed chases and Aston Martin set pieces.
For readers who enjoy following entertainment and arcade industry news, this is the kind of casting debate that can fill a few minutes between high-score attempts. Those who prefer to watch the action unfold can browse RETROCADE’s arcade video collection.
And if the conversation has inspired thoughts of building a dedicated home entertainment setup, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide is a practical place to start.
Leave a Reply