Pierce Brosnan has named Callum Turner as a compelling candidate for James Bond, adding a familiar voice to a casting debate that’s been building since Daniel Craig’s final appearance in “No Time to Die,” released in September 2021. Brosnan, who played 007 in four films, says he’s now watching the search as a fan.
The next actor will follow a line of Bonds that includes Craig, Sean Connery and Timothy Dalton. No successor has been announced, but several performers have drawn attention as the franchise’s future takes shape.
Brosnan singles out Callum Turner for 007
Brosnan praised the actors linked to the role, while giving Turner a particular mention. The two worked together on the drama “The Only Living Boy in New York,” where Turner played Brosnan’s onscreen son.
“Callum is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan told Vanity Fair.
His comments amount to a clear endorsement of Turner’s ability, though Brosnan stopped short of suggesting he knows who will be cast. He also welcomed Denis Villeneuve, director of “Dune,” taking charge of the next Bond film. Brosnan expects the filmmaker’s approach to surprise audiences: “I think we’re all going to be blown away.”
For whoever gets the part, Brosnan offered a generous send-off: “Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it’s hard to tell who it would be, but I eagerly await to hear the news.”
Jack Lowden keeps his distance from casting rumors
Turner isn’t the only actor being discussed. Scottish performer Jack Lowden has also been linked to Bond, with the speculation gaining traction after his co-star Gary Oldman hinted that producers had chosen someone and said he had his “fingers crossed” for him.
Lowden didn’t confirm whether he had auditioned. Speaking to the BBC, the 36-year-old called Oldman a “sweetheart” and declined to add fuel to the chatter.
“On this… it’s all very flattering. It’s nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I’m just not really going to add to the noise,” he said.
A US Open broadcast brings Brosnan back into the Bond conversation
Brosnan’s standing as a former Bond was on display during the men’s singles final at the US Open, where Alexander Zverev faced Ben Shelton. A broadcast camera showed the court’s Rolex timer at “0:07,” then panned to Brosnan in the crowd.
The neatly timed cut spread across social media, and viewers praised the production team. “Give that cameraman or camerawoman a raise,” one fan wrote, according to The Blast.
The moment also prompted fans to celebrate Brosnan’s place in the franchise. Many said he remains the defining Bond for a generation, even as the search for Craig’s successor continues.
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George Clooney also favors Turner
Brosnan isn’t alone in putting Turner forward. George Clooney has also backed the actor, citing the qualities he believes suit the part.
“He’s tall and handsome and charming and British, so he’s the perfect guy to do it,” Clooney said, per The Blast.
Steven Spielberg once sought the director’s chair
The director’s role in Bond’s next chapter is also drawing attention. Steven Spielberg once tried to direct a 007 film, though his own account makes clear that the request came from him, not the producers. He discussed the episode on “The Rest is Entertainment” podcast with Richard Osman and Marina Hyde.
After “Jaws,” Spielberg approached longtime Bond producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and offered to direct an installment. “I called Cubby Broccoli after ‘Jaws’ and volunteered. I said, ‘If you need a director, I would love to direct one.’ And he said no,” Spielberg recalled.
He tried again and was turned down a second time. Years later, after building a career that includes multiple Oscars and major film franchises, Spielberg joked that the opportunity had passed and the studio could no longer afford him.
For now, Turner has support from two prominent actors and Brosnan’s personal vote of confidence. The casting decision remains unannounced, leaving the next Bond’s identity—and Villeneuve’s take on the series—as the questions to watch.
