James Bond bombshell as huge star 'named as Daniel Craig's replacement'
The casting and final screen tests are still underway.
Industry insiders are increasingly convinced about who will replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. Daniel Craig was the longest-serving Bond ever with a 15-year stint in the role. According to experts, Callum Turner has now landed the role after Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden, and an unnamed third actor had been reportedly narrowed down during the lengthy 007 casting process. There are multiple reasons insiders believe this will be the case.
The 007 screen tests are understood to have taken place over the weekend, with between three and five actors being called in to audition. Turner, 36, checked in at Bray Studios in Berkshire for a screen test on Friday (October 30). Also, The Sun reported that Turner has stepped down as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, a production company he founded last year with his wife, Dua Lipa. This could mean he is opening space for a career-making Bond move.
A source told The Sun: "Callum is making all the right moves to become the next James Bond. The role is all-consuming and commitment to it is a top priority of the producers."
Casting for the fresh 007 is carried out under the renowned casting director Nina Gold. According to Amy Pascal (Spider-Man), who is producing the new James Bond film at Amazon, the new 007 will be cast by the end of 2026.
She said: "We are being really, really methodical. I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it's got to be something really different that is stirring, exciting and different."
According to reports, Tom Holland is unable to pursue the role due to his Marvel contract, while Taron Egerton ruled himself out. Turner has previously dodged red carpet questions about his involvement in the project, as has Elordi, NME reports.
The new film is said to represent a complete franchise reboot following Daniel Craig's concluding appearance in No Time to Die.
Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) has committed to direct the picture, while screenwriter Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Eastern Promises) is penning the script and has already finished an initial draft.
