Key Takeaways
- Jack Barton, a 31-year-old British actor known for Heartstopper and SAS: Rogue Heroes, has reportedly emerged as a surprise favorite to become the next James Bond.
- Callum Turner and Jack O’Connell reportedly rank among three finalists, though Amazon MGM has not confirmed the shortlist or revealed the third contender.
- Denis Villeneuve will direct the new 007 film from a screenplay by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, with Nina Gold overseeing casting.
The race to become the next James Bond may finally be getting serious, and the actor reportedly leading the field is not one of the stars who has spent the past year dominating 007 rumors. Jack Barton, a 31-year-old British actor with only a handful of major credits, has reportedly emerged as a favorite as the franchise prepares to screen-test candidates for Daniel Craig’s successor.
Page Six reports that Barton has impressed the team behind the next Bond movie after casting director Nina Gold conducted a wide search across the U.K. for potential contenders. Sources have reportedly gone so far as to refer to Barton as “The One.” His competition initially included Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson, with screen tests expected to begin in early September.
Barton would represent a dramatic departure from the A-list names that have circulated since Craig ended his five-film run with 2021’s No Time to Die. His credits include Netflix’s Heartstopper, Steven Knight’s SAS: Rogue Heroes and a small appearance as Fop 1 in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things.
The reported interest in him comes as Amazon MGM searches for an actor capable of carrying the franchise through multiple films.
What is confirmed is the team that will ultimately shape the new James Bond. Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is directing, while Peaky Blinders creator Knight is writing the screenplay. Gold is handling casting, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing.
“I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond,” Valenti said at CinemaCon. “Don’t get too excited.”
She added that the filmmakers were approaching the decision “with care and deep respect” and called shepherding the franchise into its next chapter “a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
The uncertainty hasn't stopped the Bond rumor mill from producing some memorable detours. An April Fool’s Day story falsely announcing Oscar winner Jessie Buckley as 007 briefly spread online, while Turner has repeatedly been treated as a potential frontrunner without an official announcement.
Even the soundtrack has generated its own campaign. Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher said earlier this year that he would “absolutely” write the next Bond theme if asked, calling the opportunity “an absolute honour.”
Liam Gallagher had already stirred speculation by telling a fan, “It’s happening… it’s the best BOND tune ever,” although Noel later confirmed that no approach had been
