Robert Pattinson has screen tested to play James Bond, according to The Hollywood Reporter — making the 40-year-old Batman star the most famous name yet linked to Amazon’s search for the next 007. Multiple sources told the trade publication that Pattinson read for the part alongside fellow hopefuls Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor, with the tests taking place over the weekend of October 24 in London, where Pattinson is currently filming The Batman Part II.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news late on November 6, and TheWrap says it has independently learned that Pattinson tested — a remarkable turn for an actor who was, only yesterday, being talked about as a surprise Oscar frontrunner for The Odyssey.
A five-man race, with one uncertainty
The reported shortlist now has five names: Pattinson, Turner, Lowden, O’Connor and Nicholas Hoult. But the outlets do not fully agree on Hoult. The Hollywood Reporter describes him only as a name now surfacing as one of the Bond contenders, while Deadline’s insiders say both Pattinson and Hoult joined the others in recent screen tests. Readers should treat Hoult’s test as less certain than Pattinson’s, based on the reporting so far.
Hoult’s inclusion revives an old casting rivalry: he finished as runner-up to Pattinson when the Batman role was cast years ago. He plays Lex Luthor in DC’s Superman films. Variety also reports that Harry Styles had discussions about the part, according to Consequence.
The first Bond under Amazon
The casting search is the first under Amazon, which took creative control of the franchise from the Broccoli family in February 2025. The next film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, who previously collaborated with Pattinson on Dune: Part Three, from a script by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing, according to trade coverage.
The tests were originally planned for earlier in October but were pushed to the end of the month because of scheduling conflicts. Casting director Nina Gold is running the search, and the process is said to have three elements: camera presence, stunts and dialogue. Amazon declined to comment on the screen tests, and no casting decision has been reported.
A decision expected soon
A decision is expected by late November, according to trade reporting, so fans may know soon who will be the next 007. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with a theatrical release believed to be planned for 2028. The Hollywood Reporter said Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell would not test.
Pattinson’s case is a strong one on paper: he worked with Villeneuve on Dune: Part Three, he played the espionage angle in Tenet, and he has spent the last few years rebuilding his career with auteur films after Twilight. Whether the screen test turns into the role is now Amazon’s call — but the Batman star is officially in the race for 007, and the race has a deadline.
Related: Wild Horse Nine Gallops to $6M Weekend From Just 1,100 Screens
