James Bond screen tests reportedly start in September with surprise favorite
The search for the next 007 is heating up, with a new report claiming screen tests will begin in early September. According to a Page Six report covered by ScreenRant, a relative unknown named Jack Barton is a surprising favorite among the shortlisted actors.
Per the report, Barton will be testing for the role alongside more familiar names including Callum Turner, Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, and Jack Lowden. Barton, 31, is best known for small roles in films like 'Poor Things' and the series 'SAS: Rogue Heroes'.
Collider also reported on an official shortlist, naming Elordi, Mescal, and Turner among those in the running. The casting process for the next Bond film, referred to as Bond 26, was confirmed to be underway by Amazon in May.
If the testing proceeds as reported, the new actor to play James Bond could be announced before the end of the year. The film is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve from a script by Steven Knight.
