Jack Lowden leads James Bond poll and betting odds

Intense screen tests are underway in London to determine who will step into the iconic tuxedo as the next James Bond. Production has narrowed its focus to a select group of contenders, with The Hollywood Reporter revealing that actors Callum Turner and Jack Lowden are currently in the mix for the coveted 007 role.

London Screen Tests Put Finalists in the Tuxedo

Comprehensive auditions kicked off over the weekend, putting prospective actors through rigorous evaluations covering stunts, camera presence, and dialogue. noted that while up to five actors might be putting on the gear to test how it fits, Amazon declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing process.

Amazon MGM Studios issued a brief statement regarding the casting momentum: The search for the next James Bond is underway. 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. Producer Amy Pascal previously indicated that an announcement could arrive before the end of the year.

Fan Polls and Bookies Back Jack Lowden

While studio executives keep their cards close to their chest, audiences have made their preferences known. reported that a popular reader poll saw Slow Horses star Jack Lowden blow away the competition by capturing 49.8% of the vote. Callum Turner lagged behind at 13.3%, and Josh O’Connor pulled in 7.1%, while a write-in “Other” option claimed 29.8%.

Lowden also enjoys strong backing from bookmakers, who list him as the heavy favorite in recent betting odds. His Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman has publicly endorsed him for the vacancy.

Creative Visionaries Shape the New Era

Amazon MGM Studios acquired the creative rights from the Broccoli family in February 2025, appointing Denis Villeneuve to direct and Steven Knight to write the screenplay. Knight recently addressed the writing process on BBC Radio 4, stating, 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 added, The thing with Bond is it’s its own universe, and it’s its own franchise. So there are certain rules.

The incoming film follows Daniel Craig’s five-film tenure that concluded with No Time to Die in 2022. Because producers are building a multi-film arc for the next iteration of the British spy, the studio prioritized younger talent, leaving behind earlier internet favorites like Henry Cavill, who famously screen-tested two decades ago before Craig won the part.