Denis Villeneuve has said he is enjoying the search for the next James Bond, giving a brief update on the casting process at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles.
Speaking to Variety’s cameras on the red carpet on Saturday 7 November, the director said he is having a “great time” with the auditions. He did not name anyone or hint at a frontrunner.
Villeneuve was one of this year’s honourees at the event, alongside the artist Vija Celmins. Leonardo DiCaprio and LACMA trustee Eva Chow co-chaired the gala for the fifteenth year in a row.
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The studio confirmed in May that the search had begun, and appointed casting director Nina Gold.
Villeneuve and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman reportedly started contacting actors for later-round tests over the summer.
Reports from the autumn say that final tests were close. Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are among the actors who have been linked to the part, though none of the names has been confirmed.
Amazon MGM has declined to comment on specifics. Some reports suggest a casting reveal could come before the end of 2026, but that has not been confirmed either.
The film is the first Bond project developed under Amazon MGM’s creative control, following its $8.5 billion purchase of MGM.
Steven Knight is writing the screenplay, and Villeneuve’s wife, Tanya Lapointe, is an executive producer. Villeneuve was hired in June 2025.
No release date has been set. The Telegraph has reportedly suggested the film is unlikely to arrive before 2028.
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