This news confirms that the search for a new James Bond is entering the final lap. According to a report in Puck News, Amazon MGM Studios are preparing pre-test deals for the final, shortlisted candidates.
What is a pre-test deal? It is essentially their 007 contract. It sets out the actor’s salary for the role, the number of pictures, extension options, length of commitment, and what exclusivity terms there are around the role. For instance, Pierce Brosnan was forbidden from appearing in any other role in a black bow tie and tuxedo while in the role of Bond. It’s extra terms like that.
It prevents the actors’ reps from waiting until their name hits the press and then using the speculation to jack up their fee and re-negotiate on terms.
This means the final round of formal screen tests with director Denis Villeneuve are happening soon.
Interestingly, the report also states that almost all of the recent frontrunners named in the press are basically wrong, and the final list is absolutely nothing like the one full of regular names making the rounds all the time. So unlikely to be a pre-contract going to Callum Turner or Jacob Elordi. As the report states, anyone who is naming names right now is naming the wrong names.
Villeneuve helms the film from a script by Steven Knight. It shoots next year for a 2028 release.
