The three-year hunt for the next 007 may have reached a dramatic conclusion. Movieweb.com reports Callum Turner, the star of Masters of the Air and Fantastic Beasts, has reportedly been ‘blabbing all over town’ that he has secured the role of James Bond in Amazon’s upcoming reboot.
Since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021, speculation has been rife regarding his successor. While names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill have long dominated the conversation, Turner has emerged as the ‘red-hot’ favourite. According to industry insiders, the 35-year-old actor has spent the recent holiday season confirming the news to his inner circle, with one source describing the casting as the “worst-kept secret going.”
The reboot could potentially be a double-header for the Turner household. Rumours suggest that Turner’s fiancée, pop sensation Dua Lipa, is being lined up to perform the film’s theme song. The move would mark a significant marketing coup for Amazon MGM Studios as they look to refresh the franchise for a younger audience.
Amazon’s vision for the 26th Bond film appears to be a departure from the traditional formula. Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049) is already confirmed to direct, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight handling the screenplay.
Villeneuve, a lifelong fan of the series, has described the opportunity as “sacred territory.” The involvement of such high-calibre talent suggests Amazon is aiming for a prestige cinematic experience rather than a standard action flick.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly taking a hands-on approach to the reboot. Sources indicate he is “closely involved in all aspects,” keen to ensure the transition from the long-standing production duo of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to the Amazon era is seamless.
While Turner is slightly older than the “fresh face” originally rumoured to be the studio’s target, his working-class London roots and rising international profile make him a “solid start” for the new era of espionage.
