Credit: MGM/EON ProductionsThe search for Daniel Craig’s successor as James Bond has taken another unexpected turn, with A-lister Robert Pattinson (The Batman) emerging as a serious contender for the role—which caught everyone off guard when it was revealed by The Hollywood Reporter last week.
However, it’s not just his screen test that’s caught attention—according to a new report, Amazon MGM may be willing to make an unusually significant change to its plans for the next 007 film series, allowing Pattinson to commit to three movies rather than the four reportedly required of other contenders.
Robert Pattinson’s James Bond Contract Could See Amazon MGM Shift Gears
The next James Bond film is currently in the casting stage, as Amazon MGM Studios and the filmmakers search for a new actor to play 007. Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) is directing the film, with Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) writing the screenplay, while Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: Brand New Day) and David Heyman (Harry Potter) are on board as producers.
Now, according to Matthew Belloni’s latest report for Puck, Robert Pattinson’s reported deal would cover three Bond films, while Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) and Josh O’Connor (Disclosure Day) were reportedly required to sign up for four if selected.
Belloni reports that all the contenders have already signed contracts in case they are selected to play 007.
“The potential 007s all signed contracts granting Amazon MGM their services on this film (Bond 26, in the parlance of the franchise), plus options on subsequent movies. That’s standard for franchise films of any decent size. Daniel Craig, when he tested for Bond, signed on for one film and three optional follow-ups (that contract was later renegotiated),” Belloni writes in the article.
The report also claims that Pattinson’s test deal proved “difficult to close,” with two sources familiar with the process telling Belloni that some people involved were left wondering why the filmmakers would go to such lengths unless they genuinely wanted the Tenet (2020) actor, suggesting that the filmmakers may have wanted to consider more established talent alongside the original contenders.
Pattinson, along with Nicholas Hoult (Superman, 2025), screen-tested later than the others, joining a field that has included Lowden, O’Connor, and Callum Turner (Eternity).
“There’s a theory going around that Villeneuve and producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of bringing in established stars like Pattinson and Hoult if they were happy with the less well-known guys,” Belloni writes. “Rob and Nic definitely tested after the others, though Pattinson was always a name Villeneuve wanted to see. And Pattinson’s test deal was so difficult to close, per two sources familiar with the process, that some involved were left wondering why the filmmakers would bother if they didn’t really want him.”
That has prompted speculation that the filmmakers may see an established star like Pattinson as a safer choice to lead the franchise under Amazon MGM’s new leadership.
That would mark a departure from the series’ traditional approach. Several previous Bonds, including Daniel Craig, were not established global movie stars when they first took on the role. Pattinson, however, has already headlined some major franchises, including the Twilight franchise and Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), with The Batman Part II (2028) still scheduled for release in February 2028.
As it currently stands, there is no official confirmation that Pattinson, or any other actor, has been cast as James Bond. It’s also worth mentioning the rumor that Josh O’Connor has now withdrawn from the running. According to a source who spoke to The Daily Mail (via The Independent), the actor has turned down the role, although neither O’Connor nor Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed the report.
The studio also hasn’t confirmed how many Bond films it was initially planning, although based on this new report alone, it sounds like it would be four.
Meanwhile, Bond 26 director Denis Villeneuve has remained tight-lipped on casting, recently telling GQ, “It’s—it’s in the process. In the process.”
If Belloni’s reporting is accurate, though, Pattinson’s negotiations suggest he’s being treated as more than just another name on the shortlist. Whether those reported concessions are enough to put him in the iconic tuxedo remains to be seen.
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