The former 007 praises the British actor as speculation intensifies over the future of cinema’s most famous secret agent.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — November 4, 2026. Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has expressed his admiration for British actor Callum Turner, strengthening speculation that the 36-year-old could become the next face of the iconic 007 franchise. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Brosnan praised Turner’s acting abilities and screen presence while acknowledging the other performers reportedly under consideration. His comments arrive as Amazon MGM Studios prepares a new chapter in the long-running spy series, with an official casting announcement widely expected before the end of 2026.
Brosnan, who portrayed James Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, has a personal connection with Turner. The actors appeared together in the 2017 drama The Only Living Boy in New York, portraying father and son. Reflecting on their collaboration, Brosnan described Turner as a particularly strong performer, while emphasizing that he admires the other actors associated with the casting speculation. He also made clear that he is following the selection process as an interested spectator rather than someone directly involved in determining who will inherit the role.
The endorsement carries symbolic importance because Brosnan remains closely associated with one of the franchise’s most successful periods. His interpretation of Bond began with GoldenEye in 1995 and continued through Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. His portrayal combined the sophistication traditionally associated with the character with the action-oriented style that helped modernize the series for audiences of the 1990s. Although his approval has no official bearing on casting decisions, his perspective adds a distinctive voice to the public discussion surrounding Bond’s future.
Turner has emerged as one of the most frequently mentioned candidates, alongside Scottish actor Jack Lowden and British performer Josh O’Connor. All three are 36 years old and have established careers across film and television. Turner is known for appearances in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, The Boys in the Boat and the television series Masters of the Air. His combination of dramatic experience and international visibility has attracted attention from entertainment commentators, although neither Amazon MGM Studios nor the film’s producers have confirmed that he has been offered the role.
Recent reports have intensified speculation about his prospects. According to British newspaper The Sun, Turner attended a camera test at Bray Studios in Berkshire on October 30 and has stepped down as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, a production company established with singer Dua Lipa. Some entertainment outlets have interpreted these developments as possible indications that he is preparing for a major professional commitment. However, neither circumstance independently confirms his participation in the next Bond film, and the reported casting negotiations remain unverified by the studio.
The other rumored contenders have approached the attention cautiously. Lowden, recognized for his performance in the television series Slow Horses, has acknowledged the flattering nature of the speculation without confirming any involvement. O’Connor, whose career includes acclaimed performances in The Crown and Challengers, has similarly avoided discussing potential negotiations. Their responses illustrate the discretion surrounding one of cinema’s most commercially significant casting decisions, particularly when public speculation can generate considerable expectations before formal agreements are completed.
The next installment will also introduce a major creative transition. Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, known for Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and the Dune films, has been selected to direct the 26th Bond feature. Screenwriter Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is developing the screenplay, while Amy Pascal and David Heyman are serving as producers. Brosnan has expressed particular enthusiasm for Villeneuve’s involvement, emphasizing the director’s distinctive visual imagination and storytelling abilities. His confidence reflects expectations that the franchise could adopt a different cinematic direction while preserving the qualities associated with its enduring popularity.
The production carries additional significance because it will be the first Bond film developed under Amazon MGM Studios’ expanded creative control. In 2025, Amazon reached an agreement with longtime franchise custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson concerning creative responsibilities for the series. The transition represents an important change in the governance of a film property historically shaped by the Broccoli family. For the new producers, selecting the next Bond involves more than identifying a recognizable performer; it requires establishing a creative identity capable of attracting audiences accustomed to Daniel Craig’s interpretation.
Craig’s final appearance in No Time to Die in 2021 concluded a five-film era characterized by greater narrative continuity, psychological complexity and a more vulnerable interpretation of the character. His departure created an opportunity to reconsider Bond’s personality, relationships and place within contemporary popular culture. Producers have indicated that they want the next installment to feel distinctive rather than simply reproduce the previous formula. Filming is expected to begin in 2027, with a theatrical release currently anticipated in 2028, although the production schedule remains subject to confirmation.
Brosnan’s remarks illustrate the enduring cultural influence of James Bond and the importance audiences attach to the actor chosen to portray him. Turner may currently occupy a prominent position in media speculation, but admiration from a former Bond should not be confused with an official selection. Until Amazon MGM Studios announces its decision, the identity of the next 007 remains unresolved. What is certain is that the franchise is entering a significant period of reinvention, bringing together new creative leadership and the challenge of redefining a character whose cinematic legacy spans more than six decades.
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