Robert Pattinson emerges as favourite to be next James Bond

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 20:57 · Archive

Robert Pattinson has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, reportedly offered more favourable contract terms than rival candidates.

Robert Pattinson has emerged as the favourite to become the next James Bond after undergoing a screen test for the role. According to Matthew Belloni of Puck, the actor was offered notably generous contract terms, suggesting that Amazon MGM prefers him to other candidates.

Pattinson's deal differs significantly from those offered to rival contenders. Whilst other actors on the shortlist were required to commit to four Bond films, Pattinson's contract calls for only three films and offers a substantially larger, unspecified fee. This disparity suggests the studio is willing to make concessions to secure an established name for the franchise.

The casting process has expanded during the selection. The initial shortlist comprised Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor, all of whom auditioned for the role. Two weeks later, Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were brought in for a separate round of screen tests. According to Belloni, the decision to expand the search suggests the producers were not entirely satisfied with the original three candidates' performances.

Bond 26 marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as it will be the first instalment produced under Amazon MGM's ownership. The studio acquired the series from its previous producers, Eon, in 2025 and now has creative control. According to GB News, Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the film, whilst Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, has written the screenplay.

No official release date has yet been confirmed for the film. The New York Post suggests Pattinson might be announced as the next Bond by the end of the year.

How it is being reported

• Robert Pattinson, a James Bond favorite, is suddenly the biggest star in HollywoodBy the end of the year, 40-year-old Pattinson might very well be announced as the next James Bond.New York Post · 14 Nov, 19:29
• Robert Pattinson emerges as frontrunner to become next James Bond after screen testRobert Pattinson has emerged as the leading candidate to take on the iconic role of James Bond. The actor underwent a screen test for the part and was then offered notably generous contract terms, reportedly including a higher fee than his competitors, according to reports. Mr Pattinson's deal would require him to sign on for just three films, whereas rival candidates were asked to commit to four, according to Matthew Belloni of Puck. Before Mr Pattinson entered the frame, the initial shortlist featured Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor, all of whom auditioned for the coveted…GB News · 14 Nov, 14:14
• Robert Pattinson reportedly leads James Bond contendersReports that the star – the most high-profile of the final five contenders – has been offered favourable contract terms hint that Amazon MGM may want him as its first 007 Robert Pattinson has emerged as the favourite in the race to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, according to a credible film-industry source. Writing in Puck , Matthew Belloni suggests that the favourable contract terms he says have been offered to Pattinson suggest that the actor, currently in cinemas with reality-crime thriller Primetime , is studio Amazon MGM’s preferred choice for the role. Continue reading...The Guardian · 13 Nov, 13:40

In this story: Robert Pattinson · Daniel Craig · Amazon MGM · James Bond · Callum Turner · Jack Lowden · Josh O'Connor · Nicholas Hoult

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