Pierce Brosnan backs Callum Turner as James Bond: ‘He’s so strong’

Four finalists reportedly in the mix to take over as new 007

Published Nov 04, 2026  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan is backing Callum Turner to become the next James Bond. Photo by Getty Images

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As the search for the next James Bond intensifies, Pierce Brosnan has endorsed Callum Turner as the next actor to suit up as 007.

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Brosnan, who played the suave British spy in four Bond films from 1995 to 2002, tells Vanity Fair he is “eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history.”

According to reports, Turner, Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden, Disclosure Day’s Josh O’Connor and a mystery actor are all in the running to step into the role of Bond in a new film set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve.

Brosnan says all of the names on the list “are actors I admire,” but gives the edge to Turner.

“Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan says. “They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men.”

Callum Turner, left, and Josh O’Connor are reportedly two of four actors screen-testing for the coveted 007 role. Photo by Joe Maher; Matt Winkelmeyer /Getty Images

No matter who gets the nod, the MobLand star says he thinks Bond fans “are going to be blown away” by Villeneuve’s take on the character.

“[Villeneuve] is such an iconoclastic director. His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous. It’s going to be great. It’s going to be truly magnificent,” he continues. “Of course, we all get sentimental and nostalgic, and you have to give it time and be patient, and it’s always such a delightful game. But Villeneuve is someone who I have great admiration for, and I look forward to seeing the work.”

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Brosnan isn’t sure that any one actor has the edge right now, but says the next actor to play Bond will have his full support.

“Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it’s hard to tell who it would be, but I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond,” he says.

What have the other finalists said?

With rumours that the four finalists screen tested in London last month, Lowden said it’s “flattering” that he’s in contention for Bond.

“It’s nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I’m just not really going to add to the noise,” Lowden said in a recent interview with British GQ.

He also responded to getting a stamp of approval from his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman, who backed the actor in an interview with Global’s Morning Show earlier this summer.

“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack,” Oldman said.

“It’s very nice, and Gary’s a sweetheart – it’s particularly lovely, coming from someone like him. But I don’t really listen to it,” Lowden said.

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In an interview with the BBC this week, O’Connor said it was “an incredibly bizarre, pinch-me moment … even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that.”

“To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary,” O’Connor said.

Cary Joji Fukunaga, who directed 2021’s No Time to Die, told Postmedia that whoever gets the role will have “some very big shoes to fill.”

“I think it’s going to be a tricky decision. There’s a lot of scrutiny over it, and we’re all aware of that. I just feel lucky I don’t have to make that decision.”

From Dune to Bond

Amazon MGM Studios announced earlier this year that it had begun searching for the next Bond.

Villeneuve was also brought on board to direct the 26th Bond movie – the first in over two decades not to star Daniel Craig, who played 007 five times.

“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery,” the Dune director said in a statement. “I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.”

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Daniel Craig as James Bond in ‘No Time Die.’ Photo by Nicola Dove /MGM

After Broccoli and Saltzman formed Eon Productions in 1961 to bring Ian Fleming’s novels to the screen, the company went on to produce 25 official Bond films, beginning with 1962’s Dr. No. The character was played by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, David Niven, George Lazenby and Craig.

Last year, Cubby’s children, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, gave Amazon MGM Studios creative control of the franchise through a new joint venture, while remaining co-owners of the Bond property.

According to Deadline, the new story written by Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight will focus on Bond’s beginnings as a Royal Navy commander before being recruited by MI6 (Craig’s protagonist was killed off at the end of No Time to Die).

“It’s a new Bond, a new start, a fresh everything,” a source told the outlet.

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