Jack Lowden Emerges as Top Contender for James Bond as Screen Tests Begin

The search for the next James Bond has entered its decisive stage, with Scottish actor Jack Lowden emerging as a leading candidate as final screen tests get underway in London. Lowden, widely recognized for his performance in the espionage drama series Slow Horses, is reportedly participating in final evaluations alongside Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor. The studio is preparing to choose a successor to Daniel Craig, who concluded his 15-year tenure as agent 007 in 2021.

The intensive screen tests in London are designed to assess finalists across stunt performance, dialogue delivery, and camera presence. The rigorous evaluation process mirrors earlier casting rounds in the franchise's history, including the full-crew tests conducted two decades ago when Craig ultimately beat out Henry Cavill for the role. Studio backer Amazon MGM Studios has avoided confirming individual candidates, reiterating that while the search is active, they do not plan to comment on details until the time is right.

Reports differ slightly regarding the exact roster of actors involved in the final auditions. While Lowden, Turner, and O'Connor have consistently been linked to the process, reports indicate that between three and five candidates could be participating, including an unidentified mystery contender. Although earlier coverage by The Hollywood Reporter cited Jack O'Connell as a potential finalist, subsequent updates ruled out the Sinners actor, confirming he is not testing. Industry sources also confirmed that Frankenstein actor Jacob Elordi is not testing for the role.

Lowden has established a strong lead in both betting markets and fan surveys heading into the final stages. According to aggregated bookmaker figures from Oddschecker, Lowden holds an implied 62 percent chance of securing the role, while Turner stands at 25 percent and O'Connor sits at 13 percent. Prediction platform Kalshi reflects similar projections, assigning Lowden a 64 percent chance. In addition, a recent reader poll by Screen Rant revealed Lowden capturing 47.7 percent of votes, well ahead of an unnamed alternative candidate at 31.4 percent, Turner at 13.4 percent, and O'Connor at 7.5 percent.

The upcoming film marks a new chapter for the franchise under Amazon MGM Studios, which acquired the rights to the property. Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the installment following the release of Dune: Part Three, working from a screenplay penned by Steven Knight. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the production. Industry reports suggest that an official announcement regarding the new Bond could arrive in November or December.

Speculation has also extended to key supporting roles and the project's music. Betting platforms such as BetOnline have placed The Substance star Margaret Qualley as the frontrunner for a female lead role at 33 percent, closely followed by Sydney Sweeney and Anya Taylor-Joy, who are tied at 25 percent odds. In betting markets tracking the film's signature theme song, British singer-songwriter Raye holds the top spot with an implied 50 percent likelihood, leading other referenced artists including Olivia Dean and Dua Lipa.

The actor chosen will become only the seventh performer to portray the iconic secret agent in the official franchise since Sean Connery debuted the character in 1962's Dr. No, following George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Craig. With Lowden, Turner, and O'Connor all currently 36 years old, the production is positioned to introduce a fresh chapter for Ian Fleming's legendary spy as the creative team prepares for production.