{"id":2116943,"date":"2026-08-28T10:31:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T07:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2116943"},"modified":"2026-08-28T10:31:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T07:31:45","slug":"barton-jack-barton-could-this-unknown-british-actor-be-the-next-james-bond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2116943","title":{"rendered":"Barton\u2026 Jack Barton: Could this unknown British actor be the next James Bond?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/24\/71\/1200x675_cmsv2_e932d223-9c55-5bc9-bbb0-4ed60acd984d-9892471.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2921384-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2921384\" data-cid=\"9893396\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921384-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/33\/96\/189x106_cmsv2_ddc9c191-3e38-5e54-8079-cd50a2790400-9893396.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mourners gather in the pouring rain to watch as King Harald V&apos;s remains arrive to the Royal Palace in Oslo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway mourns king Harald V as crown prince Haakon becomes king\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921403-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2921403\" data-cid=\"9893523\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921403-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/35\/23\/189x106_cmsv2_657370fb-0eb8-5339-8a83-43f1e2783ec1-9893523.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Norway&apos;s King Harald gives a speech during a gala dinner at the Palace in Oslo, 8 April, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s monarchs and world leaders mourn Norway&#8217;s King Harald V\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921401-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2921401\" data-cid=\"9893497\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921401-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/34\/97\/189x106_cmsv2_c4700f6d-725d-5d15-871c-2e627e7f61ce-9893497.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Residents salvage their belongings from damaged houses after flash flooding in the Devighat area of Nuwakot district in Nepal, 28 August, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Nepal<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Number of missing in Nepal floods passes 2,400 as EU pledges aid\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921232-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2921232\" data-cid=\"9893458\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921232-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/34\/58\/189x106_cmsv2_cbb616c5-b14e-5ccb-ad11-5b6eb696474a-9893458.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Migrants who crossed from Morocco into Spain return to a beach after being expelled from the area the previous day, 21 August, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ceuta &#8216;on the brink of collapse&#8217; as Spain seeks Frontex support\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921384-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2921384\" data-cid=\"9893396\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921384-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/33\/96\/189x106_cmsv2_ddc9c191-3e38-5e54-8079-cd50a2790400-9893396.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mourners gather in the pouring rain to watch as King Harald V&apos;s remains arrive to the Royal Palace in Oslo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway mourns king Harald V as crown prince Haakon becomes king\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921403-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2921403\" data-cid=\"9893523\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921403-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/35\/23\/189x106_cmsv2_657370fb-0eb8-5339-8a83-43f1e2783ec1-9893523.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Norway&apos;s King Harald gives a speech during a gala dinner at the Palace in Oslo, 8 April, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s monarchs and world leaders mourn Norway&#8217;s King Harald V\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921401-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2921401\" data-cid=\"9893497\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921401-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/34\/97\/189x106_cmsv2_c4700f6d-725d-5d15-871c-2e627e7f61ce-9893497.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Residents salvage their belongings from damaged houses after flash flooding in the Devighat area of Nuwakot district in Nepal, 28 August, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Nepal<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Number of missing in Nepal floods passes 2,400 as EU pledges aid\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921232-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2921232\" data-cid=\"9893458\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921232-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/34\/58\/189x106_cmsv2_cbb616c5-b14e-5ccb-ad11-5b6eb696474a-9893458.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Migrants who crossed from Morocco into Spain return to a beach after being expelled from the area the previous day, 21 August, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ceuta &#8216;on the brink of collapse&#8217; as Spain seeks Frontex support\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Culture<\/p>\n<p>                          Culture Series<\/p>\n<p>                          Cinema<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Barton\u2026 Jack Barton: Could this unknown British actor be the next James Bond?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/24\/71\/1536x864_cmsv2_e932d223-9c55-5bc9-bbb0-4ed60acd984d-9892471.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Barton\u2026 Jack Barton: Could this unknown British actor be our new James Bond?  \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Barton\u2026 Jack Barton: Could this unknown British actor be our new James Bond?<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo &#8211; MGM &#8211; IMDB screenshot<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo &#8211; MGM &#8211; IMDB screenshot\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspDavid Mouriquand\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1787910109\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-08-28 11:41:49 +02:00\">28\/08\/2026 &#8211; 11:41 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"12:37\">12:37<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Relative unknown Jack Barton is reportedly emerging as the surprise frontrunner to become the next James Bond, ahead of further screen tests expected in September.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--culture js-article-content\">\n<p>It&#8217;s the casting news that continues to drive cinema fans into a frenzy: Who will be the next James Bond?<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>With <strong>screen tests underway<\/strong>, there are <strong>rumours brewing<\/strong> that the shortlist is now down to (00)7, with some familiar names like <strong>Jack Lowden<\/strong>, <strong>Jacob Elordi<\/strong>, <strong>Callum Turner<\/strong>, <strong>Paul Mescal<\/strong>, <strong>Jack O\u2019Connell<\/strong> and <strong>Harris Dickinson<\/strong> in the mix. <\/p>\n<p>The seventh is a relatively unknown British newcomer who has suddenly entered the casting conversation and is reportedly emerging as the surprise frontrunner to become the next Bond. <\/p>\n<p>His name? Barton. Jack Barton.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond sharing the same initials as the superspy, little is known about Barton. <\/p>\n<p>The 31-year-old actor trained at the Oxford School of Drama and has few credits to his name. He played Kit Connor\u2019s on-screen brother David in Netflix\u2019s TV series Heartstopper, and his biggest role to date has been playing \u201cFop 1\u201d in the critically acclaimed <strong><em>Poor Things<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>Barton also starred in the second series of SAS: Rogue Heroes \u2013 a show written by none other than <strong>new Bond scribe Steven Knight<\/strong>. A point of favour for Barton?<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Identity of new 007: &#8216;Good bet&#8217; that next actor to play James Bond announced this year says producer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Another Barton benefit is that he is a more under-the-radar candidate compared to the other bigger names being screen tested. This chimes with reports last year that director <strong>Denis Villeneuve<\/strong> was looking for \u201can unknown\u201d British actor for Bond.<\/p>\n<p>It also aligns with the fact that the role of Bond usually makes the star, and rising performers are traditionally favoured. Sean Connery was a relative unknown before Bond; George Lazenby had never acted outside of a few ads; Roger Moore was a household name thanks to The Saint but hadn\u2019t had a huge break on the big screen; Timothy Dalton had a great stage career but was not an established movie star; Pierce Brosnan was a Bond hopeful for years but remained best known for his role as Remington Steele in the TV show of the same name&#8230; <\/p>\n<p>Only Daniel Craig had some major big screen credentials with memorable roles in <em>Road To Perdition<\/em>, <em>Layer Cake<\/em> and <em>Munich<\/em>&#8230; However, it was <strong><em>Casino Royale<\/em><\/strong> that made him a bona fide leading man.<\/p>\n<p>With this in mind, and the fact that already established stars command higher salaries, the odds are that Amazon will bank on a relatively unknown actor rather than someone who is already in demand.<\/p>\n<p>Retired casting director Debbie McWilliams confirmed this, recently telling <strong>The Independent<\/strong> that it doesn\u2019t make much sense to have a household name donning the tux.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is absolutely essential that [Bond] retains a total enigma,\u201d she said, adding: \u201cI don\u2019t want to see [Elordi, Turner, Dickinson et al] as Bond because we now know so much about them. We want to know as little about them personally as possible, because that\u2019s what spies are. We don\u2019t need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are, or where he lives \u2026 He\u2019s licensed to kill, and we have to believe that he can do that. If you don\u2019t, then you\u2019ve lost the audience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Fits the bill when it comes to Barton&#8230; Add that several studio executives told <strong>Page Six<\/strong> that Amazon is reportedly looking for a younger actor who can carry the franchise across five films, much like Daniel Craig did during his 15-year 007 run, and the odds are looking good&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Meet the new James Bond villain? Saoirse Ronan is &#8216;dead serious&#8217; about wanting to play a 007 baddie<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Jack Lowden for James Bond: Did British TV presenter and author Richard Osman leak identity of the new 007?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Who will new Bond castng director Nina Gold pick? Recognisable star or fresh face? As much as we\u2019d love to see <strong>Jack Lowden and Saoirse Ronan pair up on screen as both hero and antagonist<\/strong>, Barton seems like he\u2019s in with a very decent shot. <\/p>\n<p>Not long to find out&#8230; Bond 26 producer Amy Pascal recently shared that &#8220;the end of the year is a good bet&#8221; when it comes to <strong>the timing of the new actor&#8217;s announcement<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would say the end of the year is a good bet,\u201d said Pascal. \u201cWe are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it\u2019s got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Bond 26 will be <strong>directed by Canadian filmmaker and four-time Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve<\/strong> and is being written by <strong>Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight<\/strong>. Production is expected to kick off in 2027, with a release planned for 2028.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2920405-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2920405\" data-cid=\"9888009\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2920405-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/80\/09\/480x270_cmsv2_2046c0c9-4be2-5270-aa65-2a54cf24dd42-9888009.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Saoirse Ronan is \u201cdead serious\u201d about wanting to play a James Bond villain \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Meet the new James Bond villain?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2917091-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2917091\" data-cid=\"9871643\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2917091-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/87\/16\/43\/480x270_cmsv2_3d0a5830-543f-5d9f-8c72-fcf9d8844d45-9871643.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Did British TV presenter and author Richard Osman just leak identity of the new James Bond?\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Did a British TV presenter just leak identity of the new James Bond?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2914982-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2914982\" data-cid=\"9861634\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2914982-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/86\/16\/34\/480x270_cmsv2_87eb32cc-ff5f-5eed-8daf-5ee2d130d9c5-9861634.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"&apos;Good bet&apos; that next James Bond announced this year says producer\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New 007: &#8216;Good bet&#8217; that new James Bond revealed in 2026 says producer<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  viral<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  James Bond<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Film<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Celebrity News<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Cinema<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2921013-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921013\" data-cid=\"9891320\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921013-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/13\/20\/320x180_cmsv2_ce781966-171e-5608-b625-290bc85abe97-9891320.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Are these the most underrated albums of all time? \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Overlooked masterpieces: What are the most underrated albums of all time?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2921277-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921277\" data-cid=\"9892746\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921277-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_dfa46223-5ca9-5887-a665-f72b52e57b60-9892746.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Film of the Week: The Dog Stars\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Film of the Week: &#8216;The Dog Stars&#8217; &#8211; A smouldering Elordi can&#8217;t save us<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2921322-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921322\" data-cid=\"9892933\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921322-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/29\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_d4156d88-2336-5062-b386-e8435505b555-9892933.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u2018Disgusting\u2019: Donald Trump faces backlash for posting AI image of him and Dolly Parton\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Disgusting\u2019: Donald Trump faces backlash for posting AI image of him and Dolly Parton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2921342-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921342\" data-cid=\"9893355\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921342-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/31\/59\/320x180_cmsv2_05eb9e47-d03b-5213-bd5d-26af22ae96bc-9893159.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dion during her 2019 world tour\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    C\u00e9line Dion concerts: Canadian star returns to Paris after six years away from the stage<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2919491-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2919491\" data-cid=\"9884024\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2919491-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/40\/24\/320x180_cmsv2_bd48ea31-7a63-5a27-a881-6ef340bb889f-9884024.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Julien Vinet and Sam Alekksandra, together &apos;Ponks&apos;, will represent Malta at the Gwangju Biennale\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Malta goes beyond baroque at the Gwangju Biennale<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2921322-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921322\" data-cid=\"9892933\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Disgusting\u2019: Donald Trump faces backlash for posting AI image of him and Dolly Parton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2920991-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2920991\" data-cid=\"9891280\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thieves steal Villena Treasure in under four minutes, one of Europe&#8217;s great Bronze Age hoards<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2921234-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921234\" data-cid=\"9892471\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Barton\u2026 Jack Barton: Could this unknown British actor be the next James Bond?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2920723-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2920723\" data-cid=\"9889736\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why are Dolly Parton fans lashing out at Donald Trump?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2920766-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2920766\" data-cid=\"9890060\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Butter late than never: Paris gets its first boutique entirely dedicated to butter<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2920405-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2920405\" data-cid=\"9888009\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2920405-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/80\/09\/480x270_cmsv2_2046c0c9-4be2-5270-aa65-2a54cf24dd42-9888009.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Saoirse Ronan is \u201cdead serious\u201d about wanting to play a James Bond villain \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Meet the new James Bond villain?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2917091-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2917091\" data-cid=\"9871643\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2917091-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/87\/16\/43\/480x270_cmsv2_3d0a5830-543f-5d9f-8c72-fcf9d8844d45-9871643.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Did British TV presenter and author Richard Osman just leak identity of the new James Bond?\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Did a British TV presenter just leak identity of the new James Bond?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2914982-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2914982\" data-cid=\"9861634\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2914982-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/86\/16\/34\/480x270_cmsv2_87eb32cc-ff5f-5eed-8daf-5ee2d130d9c5-9861634.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"&apos;Good bet&apos; that next James Bond announced this year says producer\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New 007: &#8216;Good bet&#8217; that new James Bond revealed in 2026 says producer<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921013-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921013\" data-cid=\"9891320\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921013-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/13\/20\/320x180_cmsv2_ce781966-171e-5608-b625-290bc85abe97-9891320.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Are these the most underrated albums of all time? \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Overlooked masterpieces: What are the most underrated albums of all time?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921277-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921277\" data-cid=\"9892746\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921277-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_dfa46223-5ca9-5887-a665-f72b52e57b60-9892746.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Film of the Week: The Dog Stars\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Film of the Week: &#8216;The Dog Stars&#8217; &#8211; A smouldering Elordi can&#8217;t save us<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921322-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921322\" data-cid=\"9892933\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921322-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/29\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_d4156d88-2336-5062-b386-e8435505b555-9892933.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u2018Disgusting\u2019: Donald Trump faces backlash for posting AI image of him and Dolly Parton\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Disgusting\u2019: Donald Trump faces backlash for posting AI image of him and Dolly Parton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921342-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921342\" data-cid=\"9893355\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2921342-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/31\/59\/320x180_cmsv2_05eb9e47-d03b-5213-bd5d-26af22ae96bc-9893159.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dion during her 2019 world tour\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    C\u00e9line Dion concerts: Canadian star returns to Paris after six years away from the stage<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2919491-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2919491\" data-cid=\"9884024\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2919491-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/40\/24\/320x180_cmsv2_bd48ea31-7a63-5a27-a881-6ef340bb889f-9884024.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Julien Vinet and Sam Alekksandra, together &apos;Ponks&apos;, will represent Malta at the Gwangju Biennale\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Malta goes beyond baroque at the Gwangju Biennale<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921322-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921322\" data-cid=\"9892933\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Disgusting\u2019: Donald Trump faces backlash for posting AI image of him and Dolly Parton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2920991-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2920991\" data-cid=\"9891280\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thieves steal Villena Treasure in under four minutes, one of Europe&#8217;s great Bronze Age hoards<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921234-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921234\" data-cid=\"9892471\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Barton\u2026 Jack Barton: Could this unknown British actor be the next James Bond?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2920723-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2920723\" data-cid=\"9889736\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why are Dolly Parton fans lashing out at Donald Trump?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2920766-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2920766\" data-cid=\"9890060\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Butter late than never: Paris gets its first boutique entirely dedicated to butter<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">It&#8217;s the casting news that continues to drive cinema fans into a frenzy: Who will be the next James Bond?With screen tests underway, there are rumours brewing that the shortlist is now down to (00)7, with some familiar names like Jack Lowden, Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Paul Mescal, Jack O\u2019Connell and Harris Dickinson in the mix. \u00a0The seventh is a relatively unknown British newcomer who has suddenly entered the casting conversation and is reportedly emerging as the surprise frontrunner to become the next Bond. \u00a0His name? Barton. Jack Barton.Beyond sharing the same initials as the superspy, little is known about Barton.\u00a0\u00a0The 31-year-old actor trained at the Oxford School of Drama and has\u00a0few credits to his name. He played Kit Connor\u2019s on-screen brother David in Netflix\u2019s TV series Heartstopper, and his biggest role to date has been playing \u201cFop 1\u201d in the critically acclaimed Poor Things.\u00a0Barton also starred in the second series of SAS: Rogue Heroes \u2013 a show written by none other than new Bond scribe Steven Knight. A point of favour for Barton?Another Barton benefit is that he is a more under-the-radar candidate compared to the other bigger names being screen tested. This chimes with reports last year that director Denis Villeneuve was looking for \u201can unknown\u201d British actor for Bond.It also aligns with the fact that the role of Bond usually makes the star, and rising performers are\u00a0traditionally\u00a0favoured. Sean Connery was a relative unknown before Bond; George Lazenby had never acted outside of a few ads; Roger Moore was a household name thanks to The Saint but hadn\u2019t had a huge break on the big screen; Timothy Dalton had a great stage career but was not an established movie star; Pierce Brosnan was a Bond hopeful for years but remained best known for his role as Remington Steele in the TV show of the same name&#8230;Only Daniel Craig had some major big screen credentials with memorable roles in\u00a0Road To Perdition,\u00a0Layer Cake\u00a0and\u00a0Munich&#8230; However, it was\u00a0Casino Royale\u00a0that made him a bona fide leading man.With this in mind, and the fact that already established stars command higher salaries, the odds are that Amazon will bank on a relatively unknown actor rather than someone who is already in demand.Retired casting director Debbie McWilliams confirmed this, recently telling The Independent that it doesn\u2019t make much sense to have a household name donning the tux.\u201cIt is absolutely essential that [Bond] retains a total enigma,\u201d she said, adding: \u201cI don\u2019t want to see [Elordi, Turner, Dickinson et al] as Bond because we now know so much about them. We want to know as little about them personally as possible, because that\u2019s what spies are. We don\u2019t need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are, or where he lives \u2026 He\u2019s licensed to kill, and we have to believe that he can do that. If you don\u2019t, then you\u2019ve lost the audience.\u201dFits the bill when it comes to Barton&#8230; Add that several studio executives told Page Six that Amazon is reportedly looking for a younger actor who can carry the franchise across five films, much like Daniel Craig did during his 15-year 007 run, and the odds are looking good&#8230;Who will new Bond castng director Nina Gold pick? Recognisable star or fresh face? As much as we\u2019d love to see Jack Lowden and Saoirse Ronan pair up on screen as both hero and antagonist, Barton seems like he\u2019s in with a very decent shot. \u00a0Not long to find out&#8230; Bond 26 producer Amy Pascal recently shared that &#8220;the end of the year is a good bet&#8221; when it comes to\u00a0the timing of the new actor&#8217;s announcement.\u00a0\u201cI would say the end of the year is a good bet,\u201d said Pascal. \u201cWe are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it\u2019s got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different.\u201d\u00a0Bond 26 will be\u00a0directed by Canadian filmmaker and four-time Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve\u00a0and is being written by\u00a0Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Production is expected to kick off in 2027, with a release planned for 2028.\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2026\/08\/28\/barton-jack-barton-could-this-unknown-british-actor-be-the-next-james-bond&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/24\/71\/1200x675_cmsv2_e932d223-9c55-5bc9-bbb0-4ed60acd984d-9892471.jpg&#8221;] No Comment Norway mourns king Harald V as crown prince Haakon becomes king Europe News Europe&#8217;s monarchs and world leaders mourn Norway&#8217;s King Harald V Nepal Number of missing in Nepal floods passes 2,400 as EU pledges aid Europe News Ceuta &#8216;on the brink of collapse&#8217; as Spain seeks Frontex support No [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2116943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2116943","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2116943"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2116943\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2116943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2116943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2116943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}