Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult reportedly screen-tested for James Bond

The race to become the next 007 just got a lot more crowded. Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult are both reported to have screen-tested for James Bond, and neither name was on many shortlists until now.

What happened? 🎬

According to reports, Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were among the actors who auditioned on camera for director Denis Villeneuve. Insiders say they joined Jack Lowden, Josh O'Connor and Callum Turner in the screen-test stage. None of it has been officially confirmed, and Amazon declined to comment on the casting rumours.

Both are British, and both know their way around a big franchise. Pattinson plays Batman for DC Studios and has Twilight and Harry Potter on his CV. Hoult plays Lex Luthor in DC's Superman films and starred in the X-Men prequel trilogy of the 2010s.

Pattinson also has a Villeneuve connection. He stars in the director's upcoming epic Dune: Part Three.

Who else is in the frame?

Since Daniel Craig's 15-year run ended, nearly every British actor in his thirties has been linked to the role. Besides the names above, reports say Harry Styles has had discussions about the part, and Theo James hasn't been ruled out.

The famous voices are weighing in too. Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in the 1990s, recently gave his blessing to Turner. Gary Oldman backed Lowden, his co-star in the spy series Slow Horses. Oldman also claimed the next Bond has already been chosen, but there's been no official announcement.

How did we get here?

In February 2025, Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise from the Broccoli family, the long-time Bond producers. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman now lead the next film, known as Bond 26. In September 2025, the studio named Villeneuve as director, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the script.

What's next?

For now, there's no confirmed name and no announcement date. Getting Bond 26 off the ground is a top priority for Pascal and Heyman, so the speculation is unlikely to quiet down soon. Until Amazon says otherwise, treat every name here as a rumour.