Unknown actor is shock favorite to be new James Bond with string of A-listers set for screen tests in days

Key Points:

• Director Denis Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold have been searching for the new James Bond, with actor Jack Barton emerging as a leading contender after minor roles in "Poor Things" and British TV series like "SAS: Rogue Heroes."
• A shortlist of more recognizable actors, including Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson, is set for screen tests scheduled to begin in early September.
• There is ongoing debate about whether the next Bond should be a fresh face or a well-known star, with longtime casting director Debbie McWilliams advocating for a newcomer to maintain the character's enigmatic nature.
• Barton, who trained at the Oxford School of Drama, remains relatively unknown, aligning with the desire to keep Bond mysterious, and is represented by Daniel Craig’s UK publicists.
• Amazon, overseeing the casting process, has not commented on specifics but confirmed the search for the next James Bond is ongoing and promised to share updates when appropriate.