James Bond frontrunner makes major hint he’s set for 007 role

One actor appears to be maneuvering into position (Picture: Getty Images) A frontrunner in the race to play James Bond seems to have dropped a massive hint that he’s secured his license to kill. Speculation as to who will be the next Bond has been rife ever since Daniel Craig departed the role in 2021. Since then, the franchise has been reconfiguring itself for its next outing, with Amazon Prime Video taking over the reigns to the franchise. Last year, Dune director Denis Villeneuve confimed that he would be directing the next outing when it finally drops. And, as production begins to pick up pace, all eyes are on the lookout for the young actor who might step into the iconic tuxedo. One such name is One Night Only star Callum Turner, who has reportedly stepped down from the film production company he founded with wife Dua Lipa – a potential sign that he’s focused solely on securing the Bond job. Callum Turner has sparked rumours after stepping down from his production company (Picture: Shutterstock) Callum founded the company with wife Dua Lipa (Picture: Shutterstock) It was reported by The Sun this weekend that Callum, 36, had resigned from TwentyTwo Films Ltd, a company he and Dua, 31, set up last August. A source told the publication: ‘Callum is making all the right moves to become the next James Bond. ‘The role is all-consuming and commitment to it is a top priority of the producers.’ It’s also believed that screen testing for the hotly contested part began in Berkshire last week. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the shortlist has been whittled down to four names, including Callum. Jack Lowden, 36, and Josh O’Connor, 36, are believed to be two of the others in contention, with a fourth (and potentially fifth!) actor also said to be participating in the screen tests. Daniel Craig handed in his license to kill with No Time to Die (Picture: Shutterstock) As one of the frontrunners, Callum has repeatedly been pushed to comment on the Bond rumours. He’s continued to play it coy, refusing to comment when questioned by Esquire earlier this year. ‘I don’t know anything, so I can’t comment. There’s nothing for me to comment on,’ he said, before re-iterating: ‘I think it’s best just to not say anything.’ He continued to refuse to comment, even when asked whether he would accept the role if it were offered to him. ‘I’m not going to comment,’ Callum responded again, adding: ‘It’s just so loaded, it’s just such a loaded thing.’ However, he did acknowledge that he ‘appreciated’ the kudos when told that he’d make a good 007. Jack Lowden is the bookies favourite (Picture: Getty Images) One actor who is reportedly no longer in contention is former favourite Jacob Elordi, 29. The Frankenstein and Euphoria star was hotly tipped to take on the role after appearing in Saltburn and Wuthering Heights. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, he has not taken part in recent screen tests. Instead, it’s Scottish actor Jack Lowden who’s pulled into the lead, emerging with odds of 8/11 from Ladbrokes. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes told The Sun: ‘The Bond race looks to be reaching crunch time and punters are firmly backing Jack Lowden to get the call. ‘He’s already odds-on and the latest speculation has only fuelled support for him, with Callum Turner looking like his biggest threat.’ ‘I think everybody who runs around with a serious face and runs well [is named as a rumoured James Bond],’ Slow Horses star Jack previously joked of the job. Arrow MORE: Chris Pratt: ‘I was sick on a boat – it wasn’t coming out of my mouth’ Arrow MORE: The 15 most terrifying horror films set at Halloween and where to watch them Arrow MORE: Cancel your Halloween plans to binge these horrifying shows Switched On Get plugged into the week’s must-watch shows, unmissable moments, and expert reviews with Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr.