We recently learned that two surprise contenders had joined Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor on the shortlist of actors in the running to play the next James Bond, and it turns out they're the biggest names to be associated with the role since the new movie was announced.
According to Jeff Sneider on this week's episode of The Hot Mic (backed up by THR), Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult both recently tested to play the iconic super spy.
Pattinson currently plays the Dark Knight in Matt Reeves' Batverse, while Hoult plays the villainous Lex Luthor in James Gunn's Superman movies. Both actors have been popular fan picks for Bond in the past.
Variety reports that Harry Styles and Theo James were also in the mix (whether they still are is not clear).
Some believe that 007 has already been cast (British tabloid The Sun recently claimed that O'Connor will be our new 007), and we're now waiting on an official announcement. Deadline's Justin Kroll reckons we should know by Thanksgiving.
Last summer, we got word that Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049) had officially signed on to direct the next James Bond movie, and more recently, we learned that the project enlisted Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, Locke) as screenwriter.
Edward Berger (Conclave), Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World), Jonathan Nolan (Westworld), and Paul King (Paddington) were all said to be in contention to direct before Villeneuve landed the gig.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said in a statement. “I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, added, “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From ‘Blade Runner 2049’ to ‘Arrival’ to the ‘Dune’ films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and—most importantly—the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters. James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”
Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman will oversee the project.
Pascal and Heyman said, “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”
Villeneuve will also serve as executive Producer, alongside Tanya Lapointe.