Next James Bond shortlist ‘revealed’ with surprise frontrunner leading screen tests

The next 007 search has reached a crucial stage

The latest update comes from Page Six, which claims the casting process has progressed to screen tests, although there is still no official decision on who will become the next 007. 

When the search was first confirmed in May, much of the attention was focused on established names such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi, who were widely considered among the leading contenders.

According to Page Six, however, the actor currently making the strongest impression is someone who has received considerably less attention: Jack Barton. 

Sources reportedly claim that the British actor has impressed both filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, who is directing the next Bond film, and casting director Nina Gold.

Barton is not yet a household name, with his most recognisable credits including John Tonkin in SAS: Rogue Heroes and Kit Connor’s on-screen brother in Netflix’s Heartstopper. 

His relatively low profile would also fit previous rumours that the franchise was looking at an unknown British actor to take over from Craig.

Some huge names are still in the running for 007

That does not mean Barton has the role secured, though as other actors are reportedly due to undergo screen tests soon, keeping several familiar names firmly in contention. 

Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson and Jack Lowden are all still believed to be in the running, while Jack O’Connell, who recently starred in Sinners, has also reportedly remained under consideration.

One of the more unexpected names on the latest list is Paul Mescal. The Oscar-nominated Irish actor has been linked with the role before, but his inclusion in this latest round of reports marks one of the first times in a while that he has been seriously mentioned as a potential Bond.

For now, Barton may have emerged as the surprise frontrunner, but with more screen tests still to come, the race for the next 007 is clearly not over yet.