Report: Pattinson and Hoult Screen-Tested for James Bond
Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult took part in recent screen tests to play James Bond, insiders say. Neither the studio nor the actors have confirmed it.
- 5 actors tested, including Lowden, O'Connor and Turner, according to Deadline's sources.
- Tests moved to late October because of finalists' schedule conflicts.
- Pattinson appears in director Denis Villeneuve's upcoming Dune: Part Three.
- Amazon declined to comment, Variety reported; Deadline could not reach the studio.
Why it matters: Bond 26 is the first film under producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Villeneuve directing. The lead actor anchors the franchise for years.
- Choosing Pattinson or Hoult would break with past Bond casting, The Independent said.
- Casting by December would let Amazon MGM Studios start filming in 2027.
How 9 sources split on this story
Where they split: Outlets differ on whether the race is still open or already settled, with The Sun citing a source who said O'Connor won the part.
Center coverage, 3 sources: The center focuses on the casting process itself: who tested, when, and the expected decision timeline.
Left coverage, 4 sources: The left frames Pattinson and Hoult as established franchise stars whose late entry could shake up a familiar shortlist.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right presents the news as a late twist in a race some reports said O'Connor had already won.
What’s next: Deadline's sources expect a decision by the end of November, possibly before Thanksgiving.
- Pascal has suggested fans could learn the new Bond before the end of 2026.
- Has an actor already been chosen, as Gary Oldman and screenwriter Steven Knight have suggested?
- Which actor was the last-minute fifth test?
- Are Harry Styles and Theo James, both reported as possibilities by Variety, still in contention?
