Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have entered the James Bond chat

Just when we thought the next James Bond might already be locked in, two huge Hollywood names have reportedly thrown their hats into the ring. According to reports, The Batman star Robert Pattinson and Superman's Nicholas Hoult have both auditioned to become the next 007. The pair are said to have tested for Bond director Denis Villeneuve in London last month, alongside fellow contenders Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor.

@freshcuppa Rumors are being flung left and right about who the next Bond will be #jamesbond #edit #cinema #tiktokscaryhorrorcontest ♬ original sound - ‍

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The reported auditions come after weeks of speculation that The Crown actor Josh O'Connor had already secured the iconic role. The 36-year-old has long been considered one of the frontrunners, with reports suggesting he had progressed through the final stages of the audition process with Amazon MGM Studios. Adding even more fuel to the fire, a recent rumour emerged claiming the casting decision may have accidentally been revealed by one of O'Connor's former castmates. According to reports, the actor's colleague from the stage production Golden Boy allegedly let slip during a night out in London's Soho that O'Connor had landed the coveted role. The source claimed the castmate was adamant Josh had privately shared the news while celebrating the end of the play's run. Of course, until Amazon MGM officially confirms anything, it's all still speculation. And Josh himself has remained tight-lipped. Speaking to the BBC about the Bond rumours, the actor admitted it felt surreal to even be mentioned as a candidate. "To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary," he said. "It's an incredibly bizarre pinch-me moment... even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that." But when it came to whether there was any truth behind the reports? "I'm afraid there is nothing to say beyond that." With Pattinson, Hoult, Turner, Lowden and O'Connor all reportedly in the mix, the race to become cinema's next superspy suddenly looks a lot more open than fans first thought. Honestly? We'd happily watch any of them order a martini :p First published by BangShowbiz, republished with permission and edits.

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