According to an exclusive by Deadline, director Denis Villeneuve and the film’s producers have begun reaching out to actors selected for the next stage of the casting process, with additional auditions expected to take place in August.
The development marks one of the clearest signs yet that Amazon MGM Studios is narrowing its list of contenders to succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy.
The Race to Become the Next 007 Moves Forward
The upcoming auditions represent the latest phase in a lengthy casting process that has been underway since producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman joined the project in 2025. Industry sources cited by Deadline indicate that Villeneuve has personally contacted actors advancing to the next round, although no official shortlist has been confirmed.
Reports suggest the number of candidates under consideration could be anywhere from five to seven actors to dozens more, depending on how broadly the studio chooses to cast its net.
Casting director Nina Gold has reportedly met with a variety of performers, including emerging talent who could potentially join the pool of contenders. Those conversations were part of an effort to evaluate a wide range of options before moving into the next stage of auditions.
While no names have been officially attached to the process, actors such as Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner, and Jacob Elordi have frequently been mentioned in industry discussions surrounding the role. At this stage, however, Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed any candidates, and the studio has remained publicly silent on the status of the casting search.
The timing suggests that a final decision could arrive before the end of the year, allowing the production to move toward filming in 2027. Screenwriter Steven Knight is developing the script, which continues to be refined as the studio prepares for the series’ next chapter.
The picture will be the first James Bond installment developed under Amazon’s full creative control following the transition of long-time franchise stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson away from their executive leadership roles. A release is currently expected in 2028, making the selection of the next Bond one of the most closely watched casting decisions in Hollywood.
