The search for the next James Bond just got a lot more interesting. Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have reportedly joined the race to play 007, with both actors said to have screen-tested for the role under director Denis Villeneuve.
The reports, led by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, place the two British stars alongside other contenders including Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor. Nothing is confirmed, and Amazon MGM Studios has not made a decision or commented on casting.
A Familiar Rivalry
Pattinson’s connection to Villeneuve is already well established: the pair are working together on Dune: Part Three. According to the reports, his test was arranged while he was in London shooting The Batman Part II.
The pairing with Hoult is a fun twist for fans. The two famously went head to head for the role of Bruce Wayne before Pattinson landed the cape for Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Hoult has since built a strong run of his own, from Nosferatu to playing Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman.
Coverage of Hoult’s chances varies, with some reports sounding less certain about him than about Pattinson. Deadline’s Justin Kroll added that, according to his source, Hoult and Pattinson were always among the final tests, with O’Connor a late addition.
Where Bond 26 Stands
Amazon MGM took creative control of the franchise in 2025 and quickly assembled its team: Villeneuve will direct, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the script, and Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing. The new Bond will be the first since Daniel Craig hung up the tuxedo after No Time to Die in 2021.
For now, it’s all reports and screen tests. But if either Pattinson or Hoult gets the call, it would be one of the boldest Bond castings in years.