Robert Pattinson has reportedly negotiated a shorter commitment and a bigger payday than his rivals for James Bond. According to IGN, which relays a report from Puck journalist Matthew Belloni, all five finalists for Bond 26 signed test deals. Pattinson’s terms differ from the rest.
Those deals tie each actor to Bond 26 and give Amazon MGM options on later sequels, which IGN describes as standard practice for the franchise, including when Daniel Craig auditioned for Casino Royale. Citing three sources familiar with the dealmaking, Belloni writes that Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden had to sign up for four films if chosen. Pattinson reportedly got his down to three, with “a whole lot more money” attached. Callum Turner and Nicholas Hoult complete the shortlist.
Why the studio might bend
Pattinson is 40, the oldest of the group and the biggest name, which also makes him the most expensive. Belloni argues that whoever wins will give Amazon MGM different rights to their services, but he doubts the filmmakers would pick a Bond on cost alone. He reads the terms as a sign that the studio is prepared to give ground to put a recognisable star at the front of its most important franchise.
The casting order points the same way. Puck claims Pattinson and Hoult tested after the other three, which IGN suggests could mean Amazon MGM, producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal, and director Denis Villeneuve weren’t fully sold on the lesser-known actors’ tests. Past Bonds have mostly been relative unknowns, though Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan came from TV. IGN notes the speculation that a 60-year-old franchise could use a name who appeals to younger audiences.
Getting Pattinson to the screen test reportedly wasn’t easy. Belloni cites two sources who say his test deal was so hard to close that some involved wondered why the filmmakers bothered unless they really wanted him. Belloni says he was surprised Pattinson agreed to test at all, given his track record, his history with Villeneuve, and his Bond-like turn in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. In Belloni’s reading, the fact that he did suggests Pattinson wants the part as well.
Nothing here is confirmed by Amazon MGM, and a test deal isn’t a casting decision. IGN says all signs point to an announcement before the end of the year, around the release of Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three, which stars Pattinson. We covered the earlier screen-test news in our report on how Pattinson and Hoult joined the Bond 26 shortlist.
Has Robert Pattinson been cast as James Bond?
No. Amazon MGM hasn’t announced its choice, and the reported test deal only sets terms in case an actor is selected.
How many Bond films would Pattinson sign for?
According to Puck, three, against four for Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden. Each deal also gives Amazon MGM options on sequels.
When will the new Bond be announced?
There’s no official date. IGN says all signs point to an announcement before the end of the year.
