Robert Pattinson Reportedly Leads Race to Succeed Craig as James Bond
Robert Pattinson has emerged as the favorite to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, according to Puck's Matthew Belloni, who says his contract offered three films and a larger fee. Amazon MGM has not confirmed any casting.
Robert Pattinson reportedly leads the race to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, according to a film-industry source cited by Matthew Belloni in Puck, as of November 13, 2026. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed any casting.
Pattinson is currently in cinemas in the reality-crime thriller Primetime.
A three-film deal and a bigger fee
Belloni writes that other actors on the shortlist were asked to commit to four Bond films. Pattinson's contract reportedly called for three, with a much larger fee that has not been disclosed.
Belloni says this suggests the studio is willing to sacrifice a little to get a name star to front its most important franchise. In his words, "No franchise is bulletproof any more – everything is vulnerable and most can be helped by a value-add element, like an established star."
How the shortlist grew
The casting process for Bond 26, the 26th film in the official series, has played out publicly in recent weeks. Industry reports first named Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor as the producers' shortlist. Two weeks later, reports said Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were also being tested.
Each contender would have been offered what Belloni calls "test deals" before screen tests began. He surmises the producers were not fully happy with the original three and opened the door to more established names.
Separately, a source said that O'Connor has turned down the role. His plans for a break from acting in 2027 may clash with the production schedule. O'Connor himself said at a National Theatre screening of Golden Boy, "No, no, no. We'll see but I doubt it."
Odds and production details
Bookmakers have moved. Pattinson's odds reportedly shortened from 16/1 to 3/1, while William Hill reportedly offered 11/10 on Turner.
Bond 26 is the first film made under Amazon MGM, which took creative control of the franchise after a 2025 deal with previous producers Eon. David Heyman and Amy Pascal are producing. Denis Villeneuve will direct, and Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the script.
Pattinson's credits include Twilight, Harry Potter, The Batman and Dune, plus dramas such as Bel Ami, Cosmopolis, The Lost City of Z and The Lighthouse. Belloni suggests his profile might have counted against him under Eon, whose credo was that Bond was bigger than any actor.
Producers have suggested Craig's successor could be announced by the end of 2026. Filming dates remain unconfirmed.
