The latest James Bond casting rumour suggests Josh O’Connor will be taking on the role of 007 in the next film.

The 26th instalment in the long-running spy franchise is being directed by Denis Villeneuve, from a script written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. It’ll be the first Bond film since Amazon took over the franchise last February, with a new actor as 007 after Daniel Craig bowed out in 2021’s .

Last month, a report claimed that three actors were in contention for the role: Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden and an undisclosed third actor. Another report said that final screen tests took place last week with four actors expected to be involved, including Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor.

Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor are 3/4 finalists to become the next James Bond

Final screen tests happen this week

(via: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/lLM63YbhyJ

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Now is reporting that Josh O’Connor has been cast as James Bond. According to the paper, one of the co-stars of his recently-wrapped West End play  allegedly broke the news while drinking at London pub The French Laundry.

“Out of nowhere, and oiled by a few glasses of lager, they blurted out that Josh was the next James Bond,” said The Sun’s source. “I said it was pure speculation but they were insistent it was Josh. They said that he had confided in them about getting the role when the cast of had celebratory drinks after the play finished its run on Halloween.”

“I was staggered that this person was being so open about it all,” they added. “But they were clearly very proud of Josh and what getting the role of Bond would mean for his career.”

Earlier this week, O’Connor finally addressed the Bond rumours. “To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary.”

“It’s an incredibly bizarre pinch me moment… even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that. But I am afraid, there is nothing to say beyond that,” he added (via the BBC).

According to reports, Tom Holland is unable to pursue the role due to his Marvel contract, while Taron Egerton ruled himself out. Callum Turner has dodged red carpet questions about his involvement in the project, as has Elordi. Meanwhile, Gary Oldman has claimed that the new James Bond has already been cast, and has backed his co-star Lowden for the role.