Callum Turner Tipped as Next James Bond for 2028 Film
Callum Turner is the frontrunner to become the next James Bond, with director Denis Villeneuve set to helm the 2028 film as Amazon MGM Studios finalizes casting.
The search for Daniel Craig's successor is entering its final stages with multiple actors in secret auditions. Final auditions for the next James Bond are taking in secret five years after Craig's last appearance, with reports suggesting three or four actors are involved.
Villeneuve to direct Bond 26
Denis Villeneuve, fresh from Dune and Blade Runner 2049, has been tapped to direct the upcoming film. This move confirms the studio's intent to reshape the franchise's future. Franchise producer Amy Pascal stated that Amazon is working with Villeneuve and screenwriter Steven Knight to reinvent James Bond after Daniel Craig’s 15-year tenure.
Turner emerges as frontrunner
Callum Turner, 36, is heavily tipped to become the next James Bond after successful screen tests and insider reports. He participated in an intensive screen test at Bray Studios in Berkshire over an entire weekend, which narrowed the field to three to five actors. Turner recently stepped down as director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, a production company he co-founded with Dua Lipa, to free up his schedule. One report said, "the rumour mill is now pointing its finger in his direction."
Other British actors in their early and mid-30s have held talks. Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor were also among the final actors to record callbacks. Aaron Taylor-Johnson was the clear favorite in 2023 after meeting with producer Barbara Broccoli, while Jacob Elordi and Henry Cavill were previously cited as top choices. Potential rivals Taron Egerton and Tom Holland have withdrawn from consideration or face scheduling conflicts.
Studio control and timeline
Amazon MGM Studios now controls the franchise and aims to secure a new Bond before 2026 for a 2028 release. The studio took creative control of James Bond in 2025 and has not announced the next actor. Shooting on the next James Bond adventure is due to begin early next year.
Former Bond Pierce Brosnan, who worked with Turner in 2017, praised the actor in a recent interview. He admires other actors in the running but did not claim any contract was signed. The choice of Daniel Craig’s successor has yet to be announced, but the expectation is that Turner will be confirmed before 2026.
