Callum Turner reportedly among finalists as final James Bond screen tests begin

British actor Callum Turner is reportedly one of a handful of actors about to screen-test for the role of James Bond, a sign that Amazon MGM Studios’ long hunt for the next 007 is nearing its end.

Deadline, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter all reported Thursday, Oct. 22, that final screen tests could begin as early as Friday, Oct. 23. Turner’s name appears in all three reports. Amazon MGM has not confirmed any names.

What has been reported?

The reports agree on the big picture but differ on the details:

• Deadline reported that at least four test offers went out and, citing insiders while calling the names unconfirmed, said three of those expected to test are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor. It said the tests could run through next week.
• Variety said who exactly will test “is up in the air,” but that Turner and Lowden “appear to be in the mix.”
• The Hollywood Reporter said the tests are taking place in London this weekend, with Turner and Lowden in the mix. Its sources put the group at three or more actors, and one source said as many as five. THR also reported that Jack O’Connell is apparently not testing and that Jacob Elordi is not testing either.

The Guardian, summarizing the reports, noted that accounts vary between three and five finalists.

According to THR, the tests have three parts: stunts, camera presence and dialogue. Deadline reported that the tests were first planned for earlier in October but were pushed back because of scheduling conflicts so the finalists could test around the same time.

Who is Callum Turner?

Turner is a British actor whom Variety described as a favorite for the role earlier this year. THR noted that he recently starred in the romantic comedy “One Night Only.” He is married to pop star Dua Lipa, and Variety reported that fans have even imagined her singing a Bond theme.

He has not confirmed anything. Asked about the rumors while promoting “Rosebush Pruning” at the Berlin Film Festival in February, Turner said, according to Variety: “It’s very early for that question. I’m not going to comment on it.”

Josh O’Connor and the rest of the shortlist

Josh O’Connor’s name comes from Deadline’s report. Variety and THR focused on Turner and Lowden, the Scottish “Slow Horses” actor, and did not confirm O’Connor. A fourth actor in Deadline’s account has not been identified.

We covered the first round of these reports, centered on Lowden, on Oct. 22.

When will the next James Bond be announced?

There is no official timeline. Deadline and Variety both reported that a decision is widely expected before the end of the year. Amazon had no comment for THR and pointed to an earlier statement saying the casting process was underway, that the studio does not plan to comment on specific details while it continues, and that it is “excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”

The new Bond film so far

• Director: Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”).
• Writer: “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight.
• Producers: Amy Pascal and David Heyman, per Deadline.
• Casting director: Nina Gold.
• Release: The Guardian reported the film is still positioned for 2028.

It will be the first Bond film since Daniel Craig’s last outing, 2021’s “No Time to Die,” and the first made under Amazon’s creative control after Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepped back.

FAQ

Has Callum Turner been cast as James Bond? No. He is reportedly among the actors screen-testing, but nobody has been cast and Amazon MGM has not commented on names.

Is Josh O’Connor testing for Bond? Deadline reported that he is, citing insiders. Other outlets have not confirmed it.

Who else is in the running? Jack Lowden is named in every major report. Jacob Elordi is reportedly not testing.

Earlier coverage: Jack Lowden, Callum Turner reportedly set for final James Bond screen tests; Jacob Elordi not testing (Oct 22)