Robert Pattinson Screen Tested for James Bond, Hollywood Reporter Says

Robert Pattinson has reportedly screen tested for the role of James Bond, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The trade publication said the test took place the weekend of Oct. 24, which adds a major franchise star to a casting search that many observers expected to land on a lesser-known actor.

Amazon MGM Studios has not commented on the report. Pascal said in August that an announcement before the end of 2026 was possible, so fans may not have to wait long to learn who gets the part.

Who is now reported to be in the running

The Hollywood Reporter, citing multiple sources according to World of Reel, said Pattinson joins Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor, whom earlier reports had already linked to the role. Comic Book Resources noted that Pattinson's name had not come up in recent casting coverage.

The same report said Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor in James Gunn's DC Universe, is also in consideration. ScreenRant noted that Hoult and Pattinson were both up for the title role in Matt Reeves' "The Batman," which Pattinson ultimately won.

Separately, ScreenRant said Variety reported that Harry Styles has had discussions about the part and that Theo James has not been ruled out.

Why Pattinson's name stands out

World of Reel said the screen tests have reportedly been held in London, where Pattinson is shooting "The Batman Part II." That site claims production on the film paused during a hiatus for Reeves and that Pattinson's friend, director Denis Villeneuve, asked him to come in for a test. This detail has not been confirmed by the studio.

Villeneuve is directing the new Bond film from a script by Steven Knight, and Comic Book Resources noted that Pattinson stars in Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Three," due Dec. 18.

Comic Book Resources also raised a possible complication. Pattinson works steadily in feature films, and the new Bond is expected to commit to several movies, so scheduling could be an issue. That is the outlet's assessment, not a statement from anyone involved.

What the studio is looking for

According to ScreenRant, casting director Nina Gold has described the target as a British actor in his late 20s to early 30s who can sign a multi-picture deal and has strong sex appeal on screen.

Pierce Brosnan, a former Bond, said he could see Turner in the role. He added that he admires everyone on the reported list and described himself as just an audience member now.

A Bond film without the Broccoli family

ScreenRant said the 26th Bond movie will be the first without Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli as producers. Amazon MGM Studios holds full creative rights. Amy Pascal, a former Sony CEO, is attached as an executive producer alongside David Heyman.

When the search began in May 2026, the studio and the official 007 account said they would not discuss details during casting. Pascal told Deadline in August that the end of the year was a good bet for a name, adding that the team was being very methodical.

Why it matters for Bond fans

The report does not mean Pattinson has the job. A screen test is one step in a process, and the studio has not confirmed any candidate. The list of reported names is still changing, and Comic Book Resources said no cast members have been officially confirmed.

For moviegoers, the news points to a possible change in tone. Pattinson is already a lead in a major superhero franchise, while earlier expectations, as World of Reel described them, favored someone without a big franchise attached.

What happens next

Comic Book Resources said the role is believed likely to be cast before the end of the year. Production is expected to begin in 2027, and the reported plan is a theatrical release in 2028. The film does not yet have an official release date.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by ScreenRant, World of Reel, Comic Book Resources