James Bond bosses ready for next stage of 007 auditions

James Bond bosses have reportedly narrowed down its shortlist of actors for the next round of auditions.

Director Denis Villeneuve and producers at Amazon MGM Studios are on the hunt for the next 007 to take over from Daniel Craig, with plenty of speculation that the likes of Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi would be among those in the running.

According to Deadline, Villeneuve and the producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have started informing talent if they have made it to the next round later this summer.

Source told the outlet that the next batch of auditions are expected to take place in August, while the director has been calling actors directly.

No names have been confirmed, with some insiders claiming between five and seven actors will test later this summer, while others claim it's in the teens.

It's said there have been general meetings with actors over the past few weeks, but sources have suggested that's mainly been for lesser known names who are being sounded out in case they should be added to the list of more prominent performers.

Those early auditions are wrapping, and now the trio have been started getting in touch with people about the next stage.

Amazon MGM Studios confirmed last month that the search to find the new Bond had kicked off.

They said in a statement: "The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right."

Variety reports Amazon MGM bosses have brought in star casting agent Nina Gold- who has worked on the Star Wars franchise as well as Les Miserables and The Martian - to help find the next 007.

Everyone involved is staying tightlipped about who could be the successor after Craig's final appearance in 2021's No Time To Die, which showed the superspy's death.

Callum Turner is among the rumours, but he recently told The Hollywood Reporter: "I know as much as you do - really, I know as much as you do ... "