A new report says the race to play 007 may be down to one name, and it's a name you probably didn't see coming for this particular tuxedo. According to Puck's Matthew Belloni, Robert Pattinson has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next James Bond.
What the report says
Belloni reported Pattinson as the frontrunner for the role, and predicted an announcement before Christmas, barring hiccups. He also reported that the role of 007 remains officially uncast, so nothing is signed off just yet. Belloni wrote that Denis Villeneuve directed Pattinson in the third Dune movie, which is a connection worth noting with Villeneuve's name in the Bond conversation.
The shortlist and the commitment
The reported shortlist includes Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor. Belloni reported that Josh O'Connor and Jack Lowden were required to commit to four Bond films if chosen. He also reported that Pattinson lowered that commitment to three films plus more money than the others. A source claimed Josh O'Connor turned down the Bond role and plans a break in 2027.
Why it matters
This is about Amazon MGM's search for the lead of its flagship spy franchise, and the report suggests that search may be nearing a conclusion. That's the part that makes this more than a rumor mill item: a frontrunner, a shortlist, a contract structure, and a timeline all pointed at the same window before Christmas.
What it could mean for listeners
If you grew up with a certain Bond in your head, a Pattinson pick asks you to make room for a different kind of 007. Does that change whether you'd buy a ticket, or are you in no matter who wears the tux?
So who's your Bond — Pattinson, or would you rather see one of the other names on that shortlist get the call?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.