Just when it looked like the race for the next James Bond had narrowed to a handful of rising British stars, two A-listers have crashed the party. According to Variety, Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were among the actors who screen-tested to play 007 for Denis Villeneuve’s Bond 26.
The Two Mystery Actors, Revealed
For weeks, the reported shortlist was Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor, plus a rumoured mystery fourth name. Then Justin Kroll teased that two established stars had also tested, hinting that one stars in a 2026 Amazon film and the other “likes to wear a mask.” Fans quickly guessed the masked man was Batman himself, and The Hollywood Reporter has since said Pattinson’s test took place in London the weekend of October 24.
Pattinson already happens to be in London shooting The Batman Part II, and he has worked with Villeneuve before on the Dune films. That’s a connection that could count for a lot when the director makes his pick.
Batman vs. Lex Luthor, Round Two
Here’s the delicious twist: this isn’t the first time these two have gone head to head. Pattinson and Hoult were both in the running for Matt Reeves’ The Batman, and Pattinson won the cape. Hoult went on to play Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman, which makes him Batman’s DC rival twice over.
Both men know their way around a mega-franchise. Pattinson has been part of Harry Potter, Twilight and the DC universe, while Hoult starred in the X-Men prequel trilogy before joining the DCU. Either would bring a level of star power that the younger contenders can’t yet match.
Where That Leaves Turner, Lowden and O’Connor
The new names complicate what looked like a three-horse race. Callum Turner has been treated as the favourite, with Showbiz411’s Roger Friedman, who broke Daniel Craig’s casting, saying Turner has the part. Earlier today, a tabloid report claimed Josh O’Connor told his Golden Boy co-stars he’d landed the role. Jack Lowden is also reportedly still in contention. None of these claims has been confirmed.
What We Actually Know About Bond 26
Bond 26 is the first 007 film made under Amazon MGM’s creative control, after Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepped back in 2025. Villeneuve directs from a script by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. Filming is expected to begin in 2027, and Pascal has said casting news by the end of this year is “a good bet.”
Shaken, Not Stirred… Yet
A Pattinson Bond would be a bold, unpredictable choice. He’s one of the most adventurous leading men of his generation. Hoult would bring polish, wit and a hint of menace. Either way, Amazon MGM has now made the race to replace Daniel Craig far more interesting. Who would you rather see in the tuxedo? Tell us in the comments.