Page Six Hollywood dropped a bombshell on Wednesday concerning who might be the frontrunner for the next James Bond. It's a name you probably haven't heard of yet.
The report suggested that Jack Barton, a British actor with a handful of film and television credits, could be "The One" to play 007 in filmmaker Denis Villeneuve's upcoming James Bond movie for Amazon/MGM.
"Or at least the one who sits atop the James Bond heap before Amazon gets to testing a small group of much better known leading men," the Page Six Hollywood report suggested.
Barton has appeared on the Netflix series Heartstopper, the BBC One series SAS: Rogue Heroes and the 2022 War of the Worlds television series as well as films like Poor Things and Heartstopper Forever. He also
voiced Messmer the Impaler in the video game Elden Ring.
The Page Six Hollywood report added that some far more well-known actors will screen test for the role in September, like Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson. Barton's name stands out among that group of established stars. It certainly sounds like he's got a real chance at playing 007.
Amazon declined comment to Page Six Hollywood, instead sharing a previous statement made in 2026: “The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
More actors could hypothetically test for James Bond next month, but Barton landing the role would be a huge shock. However, casting a relative unknown would keep the focus on Bond instead of an A-list talent taking the role.
When will the next James Bond film come out?
There is no set release date, but fall 2028 is a good bet.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Meet Jack Barton, the rumored frontrunner for the next James Bond
