Jack Lowden is the 8/13 favourite to be the next James Bond as final screen tests for Bond 26 get under way in London.
Five years after Daniel Craig's last outing as 007, the search for his successor is reaching its final stage. Final screen tests for Bond 26 are reported to be starting in London as early as today. They test each actor on stunts, presence on camera and dialogue. Amazon MGM still hasn't confirmed anyone, but the betting is now firmly behind one name.
Denis Villeneuve is directing, with Steven Knight writing and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. Knight has finished a first draft. Villeneuve can't start filming until Dune: Part Three is released on 18 December, and filming is widely expected in 2027, ahead of a reported 2028 release.
Next James Bond Odds
Best vs Worst Odds
| Actor | Best odds | Best at |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Lowden | 8/13 | William Hill |
| Callum Turner | 3/1 | William Hill |
| Josh O'Connor | 7/1 | William Hill |
| Richard Madden | 8/1 | William Hill |
| Jack O'Connell | 12/1 | William Hill |
| Aaron Pierre | 14/1 | William Hill |
| Jacob Elordi | 14/1 | William Hill |
| Harris Dickinson | 16/1 | William Hill |
| Henry Cavill | 20/1 | William Hill |
| Louis Partridge | 20/1 | William Hill |
| Aaron Taylor-Johnson | 20/1 | William Hill |
Odds are subject to fluctuation and correct as of 12:06 BST, Friday 23 October 2026. See the full market on Oddschecker's next James Bond page.
Who Is Favourite to Be the Next James Bond?
Jack Lowden is the odds-on favourite at 8/13, an implied chance of about 62%. Oddschecker's bet history shows William Hill cutting him from 4/6 on Thursday, after several reports put the Slow Horses actor among the final screen tests. His odds shortened in September after Gary Oldman, his Slow Horses co-star, said "they have picked him". Oldman later explained that he was only hoping Lowden would get it. If cast, Lowden would be the first Scottish Bond since Sean Connery.
Callum Turner is second favourite at 3/1 (25%). The Masters of the Air star led the betting earlier this year and is also reported to be testing. He has refused to talk about it, saying in February that it was "very early for that question".
Next James Bond Odds Movers
Josh O'Connor has been the big mover this week. Bet history shows William Hill had him at 10/1 on Tuesday and 12/1 on Wednesday, then cut him to 8/1 on Thursday and 7/1 this morning (12.5%). The Crown and Challengers actor is among the reported finalists, although only one outlet has said he's testing. Like Lowden and Turner, he's 36.
Richard Madden is fourth favourite at 8/1. There is no casting report behind his move, which so far rests on the betting alone.
Next James Bond Odds on Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi is 14/1, and the reports about him conflict. Some outlets said this week that he had made the final group, but others report that he isn't screen-testing. Jack O'Connell, at 12/1, is also reported not to be testing.
When Will the Next James Bond Be Announced?
Amazon hasn't given a date, and the studio says it won't comment on specific details while casting is going on. Pascal said in August that the end of the year was "a good bet". If this round of screen tests ends next week, a decision before Christmas looks realistic.
The odds have the race as a two-way fight between Lowden and Turner. O'Connor is the outsider gaining most ground, so the price to watch is whether Lowden shortens further, or drifts, once all the tests are done.
