James Bond Mystery: Is Josh O’Connor the Next 007?

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents James Bond Mystery: Is Josh O’Connor the Next 007.

On November 3, 2026, Josh O’Connor opened the new Everyman Theatre, including an education and community center, in his hometown of Cheltenham. At the event in England, he was asked directly about the Bond rumors. The 36-year-old actor, known for “The Crown,” “Knives Out” and “Challengers,” said it was an honor to have his name mentioned: “very honored”.

That was not a commitment. But O’Connor made clear that the very idea had surprised him. It is therefore worth looking at what the reports already establish concretely—and what remains missing.

O’Connor’s “Pinch-Me Moment” in Cheltenham

His public response to the speculation is confirmed. When asked whether he was being considered as a potential successor to Daniel Craig, O’Connor said: “To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary.”

He then described the news as “an incredibly bizarre pinch me moment.” Even the prospect of hearing his name alongside such a role in the same sentence was surreal for him. O’Connor did not answer questions about any concrete plans: “I am afraid, there is nothing to say beyond that.”

To Be Considered Is Extraordinary

His reticence is striking. O’Connor mentions no filming, negotiations or official selection. He confirms only that he is aware of the debate and finds it unusual. That makes his statement a signal—but not a casting decision.

The occasion was concrete: O’Connor had opened the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. Variety places his remarks at the opening of the new education and community center. The Hollywood Reporter also identifies Cheltenham as his hometown.

Turner and Lowden Are in the Race—For Now

Variety reports that O’Connor is among a handful of actors who have reached the final screen tests for the next Bond role. Alongside him, the report names Jack Lowden and Callum Turner.

The Hollywood Reporter is slightly more cautious, saying that O’Connor is “in the race” to replace Craig. At the end of October, the publication had also learned that screen tests for Amazon MGM Studios’ Bond film were due to take place in London shortly.

Some names can now be ruled out. Sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Jack O’Connell is not among the candidates. Jacob Elordi is also not undergoing tests. Previously, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson and James Norton had been linked with the Bond role, among others.

The selection is therefore becoming more concrete, but it remains a collection of reports. Neither of the two reports cites an official decision or confirmed start of filming. No production date is mentioned either.

The 26th Bond Film Gets a New Team

The upcoming film will be the 26th installment in the long-running spy franchise. According to Variety, Amazon MGM Studios took over creative control in 2025 from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who had overseen the franchise for many years.

Denis Villeneuve, who has already directed “Dune,” is set to direct. Steven Knight, the creator of “Peaky Blinders,” is writing the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the film. Nina Gold is responsible for the search for the next Bond.

More is therefore settled than just the candidate pool. The production team is known by name, but the still-untitled film and the new 007 remain unnamed. These details do not include an official casting announcement either.

Lowden Stays Quiet, Brosnan Speaks Up for Turner

Jack Lowden also responded to the speculation without adding fuel to the fire. He told British GQ that the attention was “very flattering”, but did not want to stir up the debate any further: “I’m just not really going to add to the noise.”

Pierce Brosnan, by contrast, took a more visible role in the debate. The former Bond actor said he was now only a viewer and was looking forward to seeing who would play the “epic role in cinema history.” He praised the proposed actors in general but directed his admiration particularly toward Callum Turner, whom he had already worked with: “He’s so strong.”

For the candidates, this adds no formal step. But it shows how visible the debate has become: O’Connor spoke from Cheltenham about his place in it, Lowden dampened the noise and Brosnan publicly endorsed his candidate.

What Is Settled—and What Is Not

The strongest evidence can be divided into three levels. First, there are the reported screen tests for O’Connor, Turner and Lowden. Second, there is O’Connor’s unusually restrained confirmation that he was surprised to be considered. Third, there is the known production team comprising Villeneuve, Knight, Pascal, Heyman and Nina Gold.

An official casting decision, a start of filming and O’Connor’s involvement in concrete negotiations have not been established. The strongest statement therefore is not “Bond is confirmed,” but: Josh O’Connor has publicly confirmed that the Bond speculation has affected him.

Anyone seeking to interpret the next headlines should therefore watch for three signals: an official nomination by Amazon MGM Studios or Nina Gold, confirmed screen tests in London, and a story naming O’Connor, Turner or Lowden as the next 007. Until then, they remain candidates—and O’Connor’s surreal pinch-me moment is the most striking personal reaction in this selection process.