Robert Pattinson has reportedly screen-tested for James Bond, and Nicholas Hoult, the actor who lost the Batman role to him, is also said to be in the running. The Hollywood Reporter says multiple sources tell it the 40-year-old is among those who have screen tested, joining hopefuls Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor. Amazon had no comment on the testing.
The timing fits a process that has been leaking for weeks. The trade says the tests are said to have occurred the weekend of Oct. 24, and it had previously reported that four, possibly five actors were in the mix, though only three names surfaced at the time. IGN adds that the tests took place in London, where Pattinson is currently filming The Batman: Part 2. That’s the same shoot we covered when filming began with a set photo from Matt Reeves.
Hoult’s inclusion adds a familiar rivalry. THR describes him as another name now surfacing as one of the Bond mystery men, a runner-up to Pattinson for Batman years ago. IGN notes that Hoult now plays Lex Luthor in the DC Universe, a franchise where Pattinson has said he’s not sure his Batman will ever meet James Gunn’s Superman.
Pattinson’s link to the director is the obvious thread. IGN says he recently worked with James Bond 26 director Denis Villeneuve on Dune: Part 3, which is due in December. THR frames the film as the first Bond movie made under Amazon’s control, after it bought the creative rights from the Broccoli family in February 2025. The trade also says conventional wisdom goes against a world-famous Bond, but calls these unprecedented times for the franchise.
Age and workload are the other talking points. IGN points out that Pattinson, at 40, is older than the other named contenders, who are all 36 years old, and a long way from the “fresh face” producers reportedly wanted at one point. Writing for CBR, the site argues that a new Bond is expected to return for several movies, which could raise scheduling issues for an actor as busy as Pattinson. IGN also notes that leading two franchises at once is unusual but not unheard of, citing Harrison Ford and Robert Downey Jr.
Nothing is confirmed. Kinocheck reports that an official announcement of the new Bond actor is still expected by the end of 2026.
Has Robert Pattinson been cast as James Bond?
No. THR’s report is based on unnamed sources, and Amazon had no comment on the testing. No casting has been announced.
Who else reportedly tested for Bond 26?
THR names Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor alongside Pattinson. It also lists Nicholas Hoult as a name now surfacing as a contender.
Is Pattinson still making The Batman Part II?
Yes. IGN says he’s currently filming it in London, where the Bond screen tests were reportedly held.
