Final James Bond screen tests to take place this weekend, reports say

The search for the next James Bond is reaching its final stages, with screen tests for 007 reportedly taking place this weekend.

Between three and five actors are understood to have made it to the last round of auditions, according to the Hollywood Reporter, which said the tests could begin as early as Friday.

Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor are among the names thought to be in the frame, the BBC reported. The finalists are said to face auditions built around stunts, camera presence and more.

The tests were originally due to happen in early October but were delayed by scheduling conflicts, according to Deadline. Variety has reported that Turner and Lowden "appear to be in the mix" to replace Daniel Craig, who played Bond for 15 years across five films.

Other names have swirled around the role for months. British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton were previously linked, while reports on the current frontrunners vary — Variety suggested Slow Horses star Lowden may now be edging ahead.

Sources told Deadline that at least four final screen test offers had been made. But even with the tests expected to wrap next week, there is no timeline for a final decision, the outlet said.

The next film, reportedly due in 2028, will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the script. Knight said in September that the first draft was complete.

Amazon MGM Studios, which now controls the franchise after buying MGM, announced in May that the casting process was under way. Producer Amy Pascal has said the "end of the year is a good bet" for news on who will play Bond.