Robert Pattinson emerges as late contender to play James Bond

November 8, 2026 — 10:48amIt seems applications are still open for a licence to kill, with a latecomer emerging in the hotly contested race for the next face of the James Bond franchise: Robert Pattinson.According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, the British star, 40, screen-tested for the role in late October.In doing so, Pattinson joins a cast of other James Bond frontrunners: Challengers star Josh O’Connor, Eternity’s Callum Turner and Slow Horses′ Jack Lowden.Robert Pattinson reportedly tested for the role of James Bond in late October.Getty ImagesThirty-six-year-old British actor Nicholas Hoult, known for roles in Skins, The Menu and the X-Men franchise also reportedly tested for the Bond role. Amazon MGM, the studio behind the film, has not commented on the testing.Hoult was the second choice to play Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeve’s 2022 The Batman, but ultimately lost out to Pattinson.In a separate report from Vanity Fair, British pop star Harry Styles, 32, was in discussions for the role. However, Amazon MGM has not confirmed any talks took place, nor whether Styles has auditioned or tested for the role.Vanity Fair also reported that British actor Theo James hasn’t been ruled out.The names of just about every hot young star has been bandied about for the role, among them Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson and our very own Jacob Elordi.Harry Styles is rumoured to have had discussions about playing James Bond, while Nicholas Hoult reportedly tested for the role in late October.Getty ImagesTraditionally, the coveted role of James Bond has been given to relative unknowns. Previous agents such as Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig and Sean Connery weren’t global megastars when they starred in the franchise, only becoming household names after the films.But if the most recent slate of James Bond hopefuls is anything to go by, this might be changing. Pattinson in particular has been enjoying a career-defining year, with roles in The Odyssey, Primetime, and Dune: Part Three.He is currently filming The Batman: Part II in London.Last week, former Bond star Pierce Brosnan singled out British actor Callum Turner, a frontrunner in the 007 race, as someone he admires. Slow Horses′ Gary Oldman has thrown his weight behind co-star Jack Lowden (though he walked back a comment in September that an actor had already been picked).Speculation around the man best suited to portray the iconic British agent has been bubbling since auditions kicked off in May this year.Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Arrival, has been tasked with directing the revival, which comes more than two decades after Daniel Craig was cast in the role in 2005.Craig spent 16 years as James Bond, donning his tuxedo for the final time in 2021’s No Time to Die. When asked in 2024 who he would like to see take over the role, Craig was blunt, responding simply: “I don’t care”.There has been no confirmation of when casting rumours will be put to bed by an official announcement, but an update is expected before the end of 2026, according to producer Amy Pascal.Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter.From our partners