The hunt for the next James Bond is heating up with the makers beginning a round of screen tests for the film.After months of hype and anticipation surrounding the film and its potential casting lineup, it has been reported that ‘Game of Thrones’ star Richard Madden has emerged as the surprise entry into the Bond race. The actor, who most recently played the role of a spy in the Russo Brothers’ series ‘Citadel’, opposite Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra.Joining Madden in the race, are Jack Lowden from ‘Slow Horses’, Callum Turner from ‘Masters of the Air’, and Josh O’Connor from ‘The Crown’. As per a report on Deadline, screen tests could start as early as Friday under director Denis Villeneuve.As per a report on the Hollywood Reporter, it is still unclear who else may be testing for the role. While it has been revealed that three stars will soon get the license to kill, sources tell the portal that said at least three actors are part of the action but another source says up to five may be putting on the tux and will get will be assessed on stunts, camera presence and dialogue.At the same time, news reports confirm thtat ‘Euphoria’ star Jacob Elordi is not testing.It is also unclear how involved these tests are, but they are understood to be comprehensive. Tests were originally planned for earlier in the month, but due to schedule conflicts with the finalists, the dates were pushed to the end of the month. Even with the tests wrapping next week, there is no timeline for when a final decision on the official Bond casting.Work on finding the next bond began back in the spring, when the studio announced casting director Nina Gold was joining the project. Following two months of meetings.
