Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult Reportedly Screen-Tested for 007
Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult, two actors who once competed to play Batman, may now be going head-to-head for an even more iconic role. Both stars have reportedly screen-tested to become the next James Bond.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported Pattinson's screen test, citing multiple sources, and TheWrap independently reported it as well, according to Yahoo Entertainment. The tests reportedly took place in London the weekend of Oct. 24.
Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment, and neither actor has been announced as the next 007. The studio has not published an official shortlist or named a preferred candidate.
A Batman Rivalry Revisited
This would not be the first time Pattinson, 40, and Hoult, 36, have been up for the same superhero part. Hoult was a finalist to play Bruce Wayne before director Matt Reeves chose Pattinson for 2022's "The Batman." Hoult later played Lex Luthor in James Gunn's "Superman."
Pattinson is best known for roles in "Twilight," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "The Batman." He recently showed off his box office pull with "Primetime." Hoult played Beast in the "X-Men" prequel films.
Pattinson has another connection to the new Bond team. He plays Scytale in director Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Three," which opens in North American theaters on Dec. 18. "Everybody wants to work with Denis, he's a master," Pattinson said at a trailer event in March.
Who Else Is in the Running?
Pattinson and Hoult are not the only names in the mix. Callum Turner ("Masters of the Air"), Jack Lowden ("Slow Horses") and Josh O'Connor ("Challengers," "The Crown") have also been linked to the role, though it is not clear whether they have tested.
Harry Styles has held discussions about the part, and Theo James "had not been ruled out," Variety reported, according to IBTimes UK. Variety did not report that either had completed a screen test or received an offer.
Earlier, The Hollywood Reporter said four, possibly five, actors were in the mix, tbreak reported.
O'Connor addressed the speculation in a BBC interview, calling it an extraordinary experience, though he did not confirm whether he had auditioned. Former Bond star Pierce Brosnan also praised Turner, his co-star in "The Only Living Boy in New York," telling Vanity Fair, "Callum is someone I've worked with, and he's so strong."
The Team Behind Bond 26
Villeneuve is directing the next Bond film, with "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing, and Tanya Lapointe is executive producer. Casting director Nina Gold was hired in May to oversee the search, Variety reported.
The film will be the first made under Amazon MGM Studios' creative control. The studio announced a joint venture with longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in February 2025, and the deal closed the following month. All three remain co-owners of the Bond franchise. Amazon MGM confirmed in May that the search for the next Bond was underway, adding that it "would not comment on specific details during the casting process."
Replacing Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig played 007 in five films, from 2006's "Casino Royale" to 2021's "No Time to Die." The next movie will introduce the first new Bond in two decades.
Timing could be tricky for Pattinson. "The Batman Part II," which was paused earlier this fall, was reportedly set to resume production in London. A new Bond is also expected to stay with the franchise for several films, which could create scheduling challenges for a busy actor, CBR noted.
An official casting announcement is expected by the end of 2026, according to Kinocheck.
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