According to reports in The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, a tightly selected group of actors is due to take part in screen tests this weekend in London as part of the search for the next James Bond.
The outlets, citing multiple sources, named Callum Turner and Jack Lowden — best known for his role in the television series Slow Horses — among the performers expected to appear in front of cameras as prospective incarnations of the iconic British secret agent.
The screen tests are reported to be for the forthcoming James Bond instalment to be directed by Denis Villeneuve. The reports describe the auditions as limited in scope, involving a very small pool of candidates brought in for on-camera evaluation.
The publications attribute the information to unnamed sources; the reporting has not been accompanied by an official studio announcement. If accurate, the sessions would mark a late stage in the casting process for the franchise, which has been the subject of intense public and industry interest.
Casting for the role of 007 has drawn significant attention from fans and the film industry alike, and any decision about the next actor to take on the part is likely to prompt widespread coverage and scrutiny. The reported screen tests will be watched closely for indications about the creative direction of Villeneuve’s take on the long-running spy series.