Fans React to Surprise Actor Being Revealed as Amazon MGM James Bond Contender
Amazon MGM Studios’ untitled James Bond reboot will launch a brand-new era for the world’s most famous spy. Since Dr. No was released in 1962, there have been 25 official 007 films.
Across those films, which include Moonraker, You Only Live Twice, The Living Daylights, GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough, Casino Royale, and Skyfall, Bond was played by six different actors: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
Soon, a seventh will step into the role, inheriting the tuxedo, the PPK, and the number.
Related: Confirmed: The Next ‘James Bond’ Will Not Be Set During the Modern Era
What We Know About Casting the New Bond
Amazon MGM has remained tight-lipped on the casting since May, when it made a statement regarding the process while revealing that Nina Gold would be leading the search.
“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.”
Most recently, one of the film’s producers, Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: Brand New Day), told Deadline that we may learn who the new 007 is by the end of this year.
“I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical,” she said, adding that the new iteration of Bond has “got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different.”
Several names have emerged as potential frontrunners for the role, and now, screen tests are reportedly underway in London, with Callum Turner (Eternity), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses), and Josh O’Connor (Disclosure Day) said to be among those battling it out for the iconic role.
Robert Pattinson Emerges as a Potential 007 in Amazon MGM’s Film
Now, a new name has entered the race, as The Hollywood Reporter has learned that The Batman (2022) star Robert Pattinson has also screen tested for the role of Bond in Amazon MGM’s film, which is being directed by Denis Villeneuve (the Dune films) and written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), with David Heyman (the Harry Potter films) also producing alongside Pascal.
That same report also names Nicholas Hoult (Superman, 2025) as another surprise contender.
Pattinson, however, whose credits also include Tenet (2020) and The Odyssey (2026), feels like a more natural fit. While Jack Lowden has been a clear favorite for Bond from the beginning — largely because his role as MI5 agent River Cartwright in Apple TV’s spy thriller Slow Horses has felt like one big audition — the 40-year-old Twilight (2008) star seems to be emerging as the more popular choice among fans.
On X (Twitter), several fans have responded to a post shared by Discussing Film, who wrote: Robert Pattinson has tested for the role of James Bond. (Source: https://hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/robert-pattinson-tested-to-play-james-bond-1236749903/)
Robert Pattinson has tested for the role of James Bond.
(Source: https://t.co/84Plg5ZKmc) https://t.co/Y6CFcKrPZN
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 7, 2026
[Some comments have been edited for accuracy and clarity]
“I never imagined he would be James Bond, but I’m all for it!” one fan writes.
Another references Pattinson’s role as Batman, saying, “Yeah, tell everyone else who’s testing for the role of Bond to pack it up. Having the world’s greatest detective and the world’s most famous spy under your belt at the same time could go craaaazzzyyyy.”
“”Robert Pattinson was already James Bond in Tenet to me,” says another, who points to the actor’s role in the Christopher Nolan film, in which he plays a suave British spy.
The compliments continue, with comments ranging from demands such as “I’ve seen enough, give him the role” to “Pattinson as Bond actually makes sense, though. He’s got the brooding + suave thing down. From Batman to 007 would be legendary.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon MGM has not confirmed Pattinson’s involvement. For now, the race for the next James Bond continues. Whoever gets the assignment will effectively replace Daniel Craig following his five-film tenure, which included Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021).
Pattinson will appear in Dune: Part Three (2026) this December, which is also helmed by Bond 26 director Denis Villeneuve.
The actor is currently filming The Batman Part II (2028), which, per Variety, recently saw Ocean’s Eleven (2001) director Steven Soderbergh step in to help complete principal photography while Matt Reeves dealt with a family matter. Reeves remains in charge of the film.
Bond 26 has no release date.
Do you think Robert Pattinson would be a worthy successor to Daniel Craig? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
