When it was announced that Daniel Craig would be calling it quits after No Time to Die, the world has been anxiously awaiting who would be the next James Bond. Well, we’ve been waiting a long time, with dozens of names of supposedly serious contenders popping up over the years, but an official announcement may not be too far off. Among the actors who have been in the final mix for James Bond are Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor, and Callum Turner, and British tabloids seem to think Turner will be our new 007.
Why do they think that? Well, Callum Turner has reportedly resigned as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd., the production company he founded last year with his wife, Dua Lipa. This is being taken as a sign that he’s clearing his slate to focus solely on James Bond.
The timing is interesting as the actor was reportedly at Bray Studios in Berkshire on Friday for his Bond screen test.
So whether it’s Callum or someone else, I would imagine an announcement is imminent. Earlier this summer, Bond producer Amy Pascal said it would be a “good bet” that we’ll know who the new Bond is by the end of the year.
Jack Lowden has been one of the favourites to play James Bond, and he’s got support from his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman. Lowden recently commented on the Bond rumours.
“It’s all very flattering. It’s nice to be mentioned — for any role — and I’m just not really going to add to the noise,” he said. “It’s very nice, and Gary’s a sweetheart. It’s particularly lovely, coming from someone like him. But I don’t really listen to it.“
Oldman spoke about the Bond casting earlier this year, and put in his vote for Lowden. “It’s been rumored that [Lowden] is on the shortlist…we’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we?” he said. “Because they have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack.“
What do you think? Will Callum Turner be James Bond? If so, will Dua Lipa sing the theme? Place your bets in the comments.