Is Robert Pattinson in the running to become the next James Bond?

By Silke Sullivan, Denise Sternberg

London, UK - According to multiple media reports, British actor Robert Pattinson is also in the running for the next James Bond role.

Actor Robert Pattinson appears on a red carpet. For weeks, speculation has been swirling about who will receive the license to kill. The latest candidate is a surprise: it's Robert Pattinson (40). © Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP/dpa

According to insiders, the actor took part in screen tests for the role. The tests are said to have taken place in London over the weekend of October 24, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

This puts Pattinson among a list of high‑profile names that have been circulating for the part for weeks. In addition to the 40‑year‑old, the British actor Nicholas Hoult (36) is also said to be among those tested for the new 007, multiple publications reported.

Earlier, three names were reportedly mentioned as possible candidates: Jack Lowden (36), Josh O'Connor (36) and Dua Lipa’s husband Callum Turner (36).

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The news outlets cite insiders and stress that nothing has been officially confirmed. Amazon MGM Studios has not commented.

Variety continues to stoke the rumor mill, adding that singer Harry Styles (32) has had talks about the role and that Theo James (41) is not ruled out.

Even the Briton Nicholas Hoult (36) is considered by insiders to be a potential successor. © Scott A Garfitt/AP/dpa

Among the names that have been circulating for a while is that of Callum Turner (36). © Christoph Soeder/dpa

Search for the new James Bond has been ongoing for months

There hasn't been a final decision from Amazon MGM Studios yet about who the new James Bond may be. © INA FASSBENDER / AFP

Few roles are pursued as passionately as that of British secret agent 007. Even before Daniel Craig (58) said goodbye with No Time to Die (2021), potential successors were already being discussed.

Officially, the search has been underway since May. In early 2025, Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise from Barbara Broccoli (66) and Michael G. Wilson (84). Villeneuve will direct, and “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight (67) is writing the script.

Rumors about a new Bond girl have swirled, as well, with actor Sydney Sweeney's name in the mix, per reports.

There is no official timeline for a decision. In May, Amazon only announced the start of the search. It appears time will tell who the new Bond – and Bond girl – will be!