Words by ITV News Producer Jennifer Mawby
The 26th James Bond has reportedly been cast, but writers are yet to announce who will star as 007.
The franchise has spanned six decades, and with predecessors such as the iconic Roger Moore, Sean Connery and Daniel Craig, whoever is picked to play the famous secret agent has pretty big boots to fill.
There has been speculation over multiple different actors, but three names have been brought up in particular: Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Jacob Elordi.
Writer Steven Knight has been careful not to reveal too much, but here’s what we know so far.
Who picks the next James Bond?
Canadian film-maker Denis Villeneuve, who directed the Dune trilogy, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049, is directing the new Bond film and is one of the key decision makers.
Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe, and screenwriter Steven Knight are also working to bring the 26th Bond to screens.
In May, Amazon MGM Studios, who own the rights to James Bond, said the search was underway, but “while we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
ITV News’ The Run Down explains what we know so far
According to an article by Variety, casting director Nina Gold – who worked on blockbusters such as Conclave and Hamnet – is involved in the hiring process.
Page Six Hollywood reported those shortlisted for the role include Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson.
Jack Lowden
Scottish actor, Jack Lowden was recently rumoured to be in the running for the leading role.
Lowden has won an Olivier Award and was nominated twice for an Emmy Award for his performance as River Cartwright in the British spy thriller Slow Horses.
Gary Oldman, who starred alongside him in the show, appeared to confirm Lowden’s casting as 007.
In an interview with Canada’s The Morning Show, Oldman said his “fingers are crossed for Jack”.
He said: “It’s been rumoured that (Lowden) is on the shortlist. We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him.
“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.”
Speaking on Canada’s The Morning Show, Oldman said the role of James Bond has already been picked
Credit: The Morning Show, Global
Steven Knight, who is writing the new James Bond film, addressed the rumours in an interview on BBC Radio Four’s Today Programme.
When asked about whether Lowden would make a good fit, Knight said on Tuesday: “I can’t. I cannot speak about this subject. Much as I would dearly love to.”
Jacob Elordi
Perhaps 29-year-old Jacob Elordi could add an Australian take on the British spy classic.
Elordi has taken over cinema screens over the past couple of years, starring in films like Saltburn, Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, as well as hit teen drama, Euphoria.
His appearance in a Bleu De Chanel advert seemed to pay homage to the suited spy character, depicting Elordi opening a safe to reveal the bottle of fragrance.
Eloridi, from Brisbane, wouldn’t be the first Australian to play Bond, after George Lazenby was cast in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Callum Turner
Callum Turner, known for starring as a British Army Lance Corporal in BBC drama The Capture, has also been mentioned as a potential contender.
The London actor married pop artist Dua Lipa in June and has not confirmed his involvement.
When asked about the rumours, Turner told Esquire he was “not going to comment”.
The ‘duty’ to write James Bond
Steven Knight, known for creating the hit crime drama Peaky Blinders, said writing the script for James Bond felt like his “duty for King and country”.
Despite saying he has written James Bond for the character, not for the actor, he said knowing the selected cast helps.
In an interview on BBC Radio Four’s Today Programme on Tuesday, Knight said: “I mean it does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.”
He also expressed his love for the films. He said: I love that it’s British. I love that it’s not DC or Marvel, and that it’s this thing that it is.
“So I feel a responsibility to the text. In other words, a responsibility to the concept of it.”
Knight is keeping his cards close and there has not been an official announcement of the successful candidate.
The music score has also not been revealed.
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