Next James Bond Actor Shortlist Revealed: Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner & More

A full five years after Daniel Craig's tenure as 007 ended, the search for the next Bond, James Bond is coming into focus. The "James Bond" franchise is now owned and controlled by Amazon, with the mega-corporation buying out the Broccoli family last year after Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother, Michael G. Wilson, shepherded the series since taking over for the franchise's original producer, Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli. Now, it's all about finding who will lead the famed MI6 spy into his next era, and we have a better idea of who could be tapped to fill those big shoes.

According to Page Six, several actors are due to screen test for Amazon and MGM shortly. That list includes some A-listers and prime up-and-comers such as Jack Lowden ("Slow Horses"), Callum Turner ("One Night Only"), Jacob Elordi ("Wuthering Heights"), Paul Mescal ("Gladiator II"), and Harris Dickinson ("Babygirl"). We're also hearing from our own sources that Jack O'Connell ("Sinners") is still in the mix. Some of these names have been making the rounds for a while. They're all actors in their 30s and they all make some sense as handsome, British men who would look good in a suit.

However, the report notes that one unexpected actor is currently the frontrunner: Jack Barton. By far the least well-known actor of the bunch, Barton had a bit part in "Poor Things" in addition to starring in shows such as "War of the Worlds," "Heartstopper," and "Rogue Heroes." But if this report is to be believed, it's his role to lose at the moment — and our own sources confirm that Barton is one of the finalists.

This would line up with a "James Bond" casting rumor that suggested an unknown British actor was being eyed for the next 007. Barton would fit that bill pretty well. He's also just 31, meaning that he could, in theory, play the role for a long, long time, should things go well enough for him to do so. Amazon is franchise-focused, and they want someone for the long haul.

That's not to say that Jack Barton is for sure our new Bond, but it would line up with history. Sean Connery and Daniel Craig weren't terribly well known before landing the role, allowing them to put their stamp on it. The problem with casting someone like Jacob Elordi, for example, is that audiences are pretty familiar with his work, from "Euphoria" to "Wuthering Heights." He brings some preconceived notions along with him.

Either way, this storied franchise is getting a fully fresh start. "No Time to Die" saw Daniel Craig's James Bond bid us farewell, quite literally. It was a definitive ending to his time as Bond, which had very high highs such as "Casino Royale" and "Skyfall." Any actor who steps into the role next is going to have to live in his shadow at first, while trying to step out of it.

Little is known about the forthcoming 26th entry in the franchise. Amazon has hired Denis Villeneuve ("Dune") to direct "James Bond 26." Once he wraps up his commitments to "Dune: Part Three" in December, his focus will undoubtedly shift towards this herculean task right away. He'll sleep when he's dead, apparently. Mega-producers Amy Pascal ("Spider-Man") and David Heyman ("Harry Potter") have also been hired to produce the movie.

Plot details remain fully under wraps, but there has historically been a big press conference to announce the new Bond actor, where details of what's to come are shared. Once the casting is set in stone, we'll probably get something along those lines. It seems like that's going to happen sooner rather than later, so we may not have to wait much longer.

"James Bond 26" doesn't currently have a release date, but stay tuned.