Denis Villeneuve “having a great time” picking next James Bond from star-filled shortlist
James Bond director Denis Villeneuve has said he’s “having a great time” picking the next 007 from a star-studded shortlist of actors.
The Dune director is heading up the 26th instalment in the long-running spy franchise, with a script written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. It’ll be the first Bond film since Amazon took over the franchise last February and will see a new actor take on the role of the iconic secret agent after Daniel Craig bowed out in 2021’s No Time To Die.
The search for the new James Bond officially began in May and, according to producer Amy Pascal, the actor will be revealed before the end of the year.
Over the past few weeks, a number of reports have emerged from the casting process. One claimed that three actors were in contention for the role: Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden and an undisclosed third actor. Another said that the final screen tests would involve Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor.
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The Sun claimed that Josh O’Connor has been cast as Bond after his Golden Boy co-star revealed the news to a reporter at the pub. Over the weekend, it was reported that Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult are also in contention.
Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on the latest casting rumours but Villeneuve has said he’s enjoying the process. “I should not comment right now because every word I’m going to say is going to be scrutinised,” he said in an interview with Variety. “I would just say that I’m having a great time.”
Denis Villeneuve says he's having a "great time" screening actors for the upcoming James Bond movie.
📍 LACMA Art+Film Gala pic.twitter.com/FgNYHowBb6
— Variety (@Variety) November 8, 2026
Later, while appearing onstage at the LACMA Film and TV Gala, Villeneuve trolled the audience.
“Tonight feels like home, and to express my gratitude. With the blessing of my new friends at Amazon, I will reveal to you tonight who will be the next James Bond. The actor who will play the next James Bond is…” Villeneuve said before pausing. “And I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack.”
Elsewhere in his interview with Variety, Villeneuve reflected on the upcoming third film in the Dune trilogy. “It’s a very personal film and a project that is very close to my heart. It’s also the project that is the completion of 10 years of work in the deep desert. I can just say that it has been a privilege of a lifetime to spend, and I enjoy every minute of it.”
Dune: Part Three is set to hit UK cinemas on December 16, 2026. The new James Bond film doesn’t currently have a release date.
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