James Bond director Denis Villeneuve responds to latest Robert Pattinson rumour

The question of who will be the next James Bond is never far away from the hearts and minds of movie enthusiasts, especially now as the chosen actor is close to be announced.

According to Deadline, Robert Pattinson is one of five actors screen tested for the iconic movie role. Variety spoke with Bond director Denis Villeneuve and, when he was asked about Pattinson’s audition, he did not give anything away.

“The thing is, I should not comment right now, because everything I say is going to be scrutinised,” he said at the LACMA Art and Film Gala.

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"But I will just say that I am having a great time," he added.

Pattinson is best known for his roles in DC movie The Batman, the Twilight saga and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Furthermore, the Brit has previously worked with Villeneuve in Dune: Part Three, which is set to hit cinemas in 18 December.

Being announced as the new James Bond would be a phenomenal end to what has been a stellar 2026 for Pattinson. Ahead of the release of the Dune sequel, he starred in The Drama alongside Zendaya, Christopher Nolan's star-studded The Odyssey, and Lance Oppenheim's psychological thriller Primetime.

Since Daniel Craig ended his 15-year stint playing James Bond in 2021 with the film No Time to Die, fans have wanted to know who will portray the character next. A name long associated with the iconic character was Sir Idris Elba, but he has since distanced himself from the role.

Sources also told Deadline that Nicholas Hoult joined Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Callum Turner in the casting process for Bond along with Pattinson.

The belief is the much-anticipated decision on the seventh actor to play Bond will be announced at the end of the year.

Related: Final contenders for new James Bond have been revealed – and Jacob Elordi isn't one of them

"I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical,” producer Amy Pascal told Deadline in August.

The next movie in the 007 franchise will be the first since Amazon MGM gained full creative control in February 2025.

Therefore, some believe that the announcement will be made via Prime Video streaming service, which would be a first for James Bond, a franchise which started back in 1962.

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