A surprising new contender has reportedly emerged as a favorite to become the next James Bond. Amazon MGM continues to search for Daniel Craig’s successor as the casting process moves forward.

Page Six reports that Jack Barton, Kit Connor’s Heartstopper co-star, is currently the actor to beat. Director Denis Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold reportedly discovered him while searching the UK for lesser-known talent. His biggest film credits include Poor Things, SAS: Rogue Heroes and Heartstopper.

Jack Barton, Kit Connor’s Heartstopper co-star is being considered for the role of 007 (Picture Courtesy: Netflix)

Barton’s SAS: Rogue Heroes connection also ties him to Steven Knight, who created the series and is writing the next Bond movie. However, Barton may have to prove his mettle alongside several established actors.

Other contenders in the race to become the next James Bond

The reported screen-test lineup for the role of Bond includes Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson. Lowden has drawn attention after Richard Osman said in August that he was being “strongly considered” for Bond.

Turner, Elordi, and Dickinson have also been linked to the character. Mescal is now part of the group expected to screen for the role.

The testing timeline has apparently changed. Deadline reported in June when Villeneuve was contacting actors for tests planned in August. Page Six now reports that the sessions are expected in early September.

Amy Pascal has indicated that Amazon MGM could announce its choice before the end of 2026. She called that timing “a good bet.”

Lowden also has a personal connection to another potential Bond role. His wife, Saoirse Ronan, recently told Empire that she is “dead serious” about playing a Bond villain.

Amazon MGM has not confirmed the reported candidates or testing plans. The studio has previously declined to discuss specific casting details.