Jacob Elordi branded "Temu Bond" after casting rumours for new 007 heat up

With each passing day, there seems to be a new rumour in the world of James Bond. And today is no different, though the latest bit of speculation pertains to a pair of actors that have been linked with the iconic role for the past few months.

As per TheInsider, Amazon MGM Studios - the production company behind the upcoming 26th film in the franchise - has completed the testing process for the part, with Jacob Elordi and Jack Lowden both being a part of it.

This pair, who are known for their respective roles in Wuthering Heights and Slow Horses, have been considered the frontrunners for the past few months, but it remains to be seen whether either will be the next 007.

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Digital Spy has contacted Amazon MGM Studios for comment following the report.

Fans of the action series have reacted to the latest report, with some expressing their preference when it comes to casting. In a post on X, one user wrote: "Jack Lowden feels more like Bond, Jacob feels Temu Bond."

In the case of Elordi, who is also known for Euphoria and his Academy Award-nominated role in Frankenstein, the Australian actor was said to be in "pole position" for the role of Ian Fleming's MI6 agent as far back as May.

Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, journalist Marina Hyde said: "I have to say, I have heard from a number of people now that Jacob Elordi has kind of moved into pole position."

Richard Osman, who also co-hosts the podcast, added: "He's 28, so he could easily do a good 10 years, which is what [the studio] really [wants]. They [Amazon MGM Studios] want someone who is going to own this for a generation."

Lowden, meanwhile, became a more prominent name in recent weeks, with his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman causing confusion as some fans thought the actor had let slip that Lowden had gotten the part.

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"It's been rumoured that he's on the shortlist," he said. "We're going to find out pretty soon, aren't we? Because they have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack."

Oldman later clarified that he didn't know who had gotten the role, though he did reiterate his hope for his co-star. Lowden's wife, Saoirse Ronan, was also asked about the speculation, but refused to be drawn on the matter.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.