Callum Turner has shifted to become the leading candidate to assume the role of James Bond in the forthcoming film helmed by director Denis Villeneuve, according to recent developments in the casting process. William Hill adjusted its odds substantially, reducing Turner’s chances from 3/1 to 8/13, while previous favorite Jack Lowden moved to 2/1. Other contenders include Josh O’Connor at 9/2, with Richard Madden, Robert Pattinson, and Joe Alwyn positioned at 16/1.
The surge in Turner’s standing follows his recent decision to step down as director of his production company, Twentytwo Films Ltd, which he established last August with his spouse, musician Dua Lipa. Additionally, social media posts from the couple featured Halloween-themed imagery incorporating martinis, the beverage most associated with the fictional spy character. Pierce Brosnan, who previously portrayed Bond, spoke favorably of Turner in a recent interview, noting Turner’s strength as a performer. Brosnan characterized all the shortlisted candidates as accomplished actors possessing distinctive qualities and screen presence.
Turner’s acting background encompasses modeling work followed by roles in various productions, including appearances in the Fantastic Beasts series and George Clooney’s The Boys in the Boat. His upcoming projects include a cyberpunk television series scheduled for January release and film collaborations with Tom Hanks and horror director Parker Finn. The candidates discussed the speculation surrounding the role with varying degrees of enthusiasm, with Lowden characterizing the attention as flattering and O’Connor describing the consideration as surreal.
The casting decision comes as Amazon MGM Studios takes control of the Bond franchise following its acquisition of creative rights from longtime stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson in February 2025. Producer Amy Pascal indicated that an announcement regarding the casting could arrive by year’s end. The new film is scheduled for release in 2028 and will mark the first Bond project under the new studio’s stewardship, following Daniel Craig’s final appearance in the role in 2021.
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