Denis Villeneuve Sets September Screen Tests for Next James Bond Role

Amazon MGM Studios and director Denis Villeneuve are preparing to conduct screen tests in early September 2026 for the role of James Bond, targeting a narrow list of candidates led by British actor Jack Barton. Reports from Page Six indicate that the casting process has reached a critical phase following an extensive talent search across the United Kingdom by Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold. The studio is searching for a successor to Daniel Craig to lead the long-running spy franchise into a new era.

Jack Barton, 31, has emerged as a primary contender for the role. The actor has previously appeared in secondary roles in television productions such as Heartstopper, SAS: Rogue Heroes, and Talamasca: The Secret Order, alongside a small role in the film Poor Things.

Barton will participate in the September screen tests alongside a group of more established young actors. The test list reportedly includes Jack Lowden of Slow Horses, Callum Turner of Fantastic Beasts, Jacob Elordi of Euphoria, Paul Mescal of Gladiator II, and Harris Dickinson of Triangle of Sadness.

Industry reports indicate additional actors remain in discussion for the role, including Jack O'Connell, while former candidate Aaron Taylor-Johnson is no longer under active consideration. Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment on specific details regarding the ongoing screen tests. The upcoming film marks a major organizational shift for the 007 franchise after Amazon MGM assumed creative control from the Broccoli family. Steven Knight is writing the screenplay for the feature, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing the project alongside Villeneuve.