The race to become the next James Bond is heating up, and one former 007 has just weighed in. Pierce Brosnan has given a warm endorsement to Callum Turner, one of the actors reportedly in the final round for the role, while Josh O’Connor has opened up about what it’s like to hear his own name in the mix.
Pierce Brosnan Praises Callum Turner
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Brosnan called Turner “strong” and pointed to the time they spent together on The Only Living Boy in New York, the 2017 film in which Turner played Brosnan’s son.
Still, the actor, who played Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, stopped short of naming a favorite. Brosnan said he admires all of the actors being talked about for the part, praising their voices, physiques and screen presence, and added that, like everyone else, he’s simply waiting for the announcement as a member of the audience.
Josh O’Connor Reacts to the Bond Buzz
Challengers and The Crown star Josh O’Connor has also addressed the speculation. In an interview with British GQ, he described being mentioned for the role as a bizarre, “pinch-me” moment, but said he had nothing more to add.
It’s not the first time he’s been asked. Back in early 2025, O’Connor told Deadline he hadn’t heard anything concrete and joked that an offhand comment of his may have started the chatter in the first place.
Who’s in the Final Screen Tests?
According to Deadline, Amazon MGM Studios set up final screen tests in October, with at least four actors receiving offers to test. Insiders say three of them are:
- Jack Lowden – the Scottish actor known for Slow Horses, Dunkirk and Netflix’s upcoming Pride & Prejudice
- Callum Turner – star of Masters of the Air and the Fantastic Beasts films
- Josh O’Connor – known for The Crown, Challengers and La Chimera
The fourth actor has not been named. The tests reportedly run about a week and cover screen presence, stunts and dialogue. None of the names have been officially confirmed, and Amazon MGM has said it won’t comment on casting details until it’s ready to share news with fans.
Turner has stayed quiet, telling Variety earlier this year that he wouldn’t comment on the reports. Lowden has also kept his cards close, though his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman said in September that he hoped Lowden would land the part.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell are not part of the latest round, despite earlier rumors. Names like Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson, Henry Cavill and Paul Mescal have also been floated over the years, but none have been linked to the final group.
What We Know About the Next Bond Movie
This will be the first Bond film made under Amazon MGM Studios’ full creative control, after longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepped back. Dune director Denis Villeneuve is set to direct, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the script, and Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing.
Pascal has said the new 007 will be revealed before the end of 2026, and reports point to a 2028 release. Until then, fans will have to keep guessing who will follow Daniel Craig, who played Bond in five films, as the next man to say, “Bond. James Bond.”
