Jack Barton
Jack Barton might not be that famous but the young actor is reportedly the new favourite to take on the role of James Bond in Denis Villeneuve's upcoming 007 film Instagram/@jack.barton

Relatively unknown British actor Jack Barton has been reported as a leading contender to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.

Barton, best known for playing David Nelson in Netflix's 'Heartstopper', is said to be under consideration alongside Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Harris Dickinson as the casting process for the next Bond film moves towards reported screen tests.

Jack Barton Emerges as Surprise Bond Favourite

According to reports, Barton has caught the attention of director Denis Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold during their search for a new 007. Screen tests involving the reported candidates are expected to take place in September.

The 31-year-old actor has a considerably lower profile than many of the names previously associated with Bond. That could ultimately work in his favour, particularly given the reported desire to find an actor who can bring a sense of mystery to the role.

Barton trained at the Oxford School of Drama and has built his career through several supporting roles.

His best-known television credit is 'Heartstopper', in which he played David Nelson, the older brother of Kit Connor's character, Nick Nelson. He has also appeared in 'SAS: Rogue Heroes' and had a small role as Fop 1 in Yorgos Lanthimos' acclaimed film 'Poor Things'.

Barton also has an unexpected connection to gaming. He voiced the formidable Messmer the Impaler in FromSoftware's 'Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree', giving fans of the game another reason to recognise the actor. The role was his first credited video game voice performance.

His 'SAS: Rogue Heroes' connection could also prove an interesting footnote in the Bond story. Steven Knight created the series and is writing the screenplay for the next James Bond film. That connection does not establish that Barton has an advantage, but it adds another link between the actor and the new Bond production.

High-Profile Rivals Still in the Frame

Barton reportedly faces competition from several actors who have already become prominent names in the Bond conversation. 'Slow Horses' star Jack Lowden is among the reported contenders, while Callum Turner has attracted attention following roles in projects including 'Fantastic Beasts' and 'Masters of the Air'.

Jacob Elordi, meanwhile, has become one of Hollywood's most recognisable young actors through projects including 'Euphoria', 'Priscilla' and 'Frankenstein'.

Paul Mescal is another reported contender. The Oscar-nominated actor has starred in 'Aftersun' and 'Gladiator II'.

At the same time, Harris Dickinson has built an increasingly high-profile film career through 'Triangle of Sadness', 'The Iron Claw' and 'Babygirl'.

That makes Barton's reported position particularly striking. Unlike several of his rivals, he does not arrive with an extensive list of leading film roles or the same level of international recognition.

However, it is important to stress that Barton has not been officially cast as James Bond. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed the reported shortlist or identified its preferred candidate.

Why a Less Famous 007 Could Appeal

One possible explanation is the longstanding Bond casting philosophy of avoiding an actor who is already too closely associated with a particular screen persona.

Former Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams has previously argued that audiences should know relatively little about the actor behind 007, allowing the character to retain an element of mystery. Barton's comparatively limited profile would therefore fit that approach.

The next Bond film is reported to be directed by Villeneuve, with Gold overseeing casting and Knight writing the screenplay. The project is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios following Amazon's acquisition of creative control over the James Bond franchise alongside existing rights arrangements.

Daniel Craig's Replacement Remains Unconfirmed

Craig's final appearance as Bond came in 2021's 'No Time to Die', leaving the role unfilled since then. Barton is currently reported as a frontrunner rather than the confirmed new 007, and the same applies to Elordi, Mescal, Lowden, Turner and Dickinson.

No official casting decision has been announced. Amazon MGM Studios and Eon Productions have not confirmed the reported shortlist, the outcome of any screen tests or the identity of Daniel Craig's successor.

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