Scott Rose-Marsh Emerges in James Bond 26 Screen Tests as Writer Promises “Bolder” 007

The high-stakes search for cinema’s next iconic spy has taken a dramatic turn. While household names like Tom Holland and Jacob Elordi dominated early speculation, Amazon MGM Studios has quietly screen-tested lesser-known actor Scott Rose-Marsh for the coveted role of James Bond, according to exclusive reporting from The Hollywood Reporter (July 2025). The development coincides with acclaimed screenwriter Steven Knight’s promise to deliver a “better, stronger, and bolder” 007 for the franchise’s highly anticipated 26th installment.

Behind Closed Doors: The Hunt for Bond Intensifies

Industry sources reveal that Amazon conducted confidential screen tests in late June, tasking actors with reimagining 007 without mimicking predecessors. Rose-Marsh, whose credits include BBC’s Chloe and the wartime drama Wolves of War, reportedly performed scenes from 1995’s GoldenEye with one critical directive: avoid impersonating past Bonds. This aligns with earlier 2025 betting odds that unexpectedly listed Rose-Marsh as a contender. While Amazon MGM Studios hasn’t confirmed casting progress, the timing suggests director Denis Villeneuve (Dune trilogy) may be exploring options before completing Dune: Part Three. Insiders indicate Rose-Marsh may have tested with material from Knight’s developing script, though the screenplay remains unfinished.

Steven Knight’s Vision: Reforging the Bond Legacy

While Villeneuve focuses on Arrakis, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is meticulously crafting Bond’s next mission. In a recent interview with Deadline (June 2025), Knight expressed both reverence and ambition for the project: “It’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started. I’m hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.” Knight’s background in gritty, character-driven drama—evident in projects like Netflix’s The Immortal Man—signals a potential tonal shift from recent rumors suggesting a youth-focused Bond filled with quips. This hiring suggests Amazon favors gravitas over gimmicks, potentially aligning with the grounded approach that revitalized characters like The Batman for new audiences.

Dispelling Rumors: A Return to Substance Over Style?

Knight’s involvement directly challenges reports that Amazon sought a TikTok-era Bond targeting younger demographics. Instead, pairing Villeneuve’s cinematic grandeur with Knight’s narrative depth suggests a commitment to sophisticated espionage storytelling. As noted by film historian Dr. Lisa Funnell (author of For His Eyes Only: The Women of James Bond), “The franchise’s longevity stems from balancing innovation with core elements: intrigue, elegance, and emotional stakes. Knight’s track record suggests he understands this duality.” Industry analysts speculate this approach could mirror the critical and commercial success of Top Gun: Maverick, which blended nostalgia with contemporary filmmaking for broad appeal.

Bolded Final Summary
The road to James Bond 26 grows clearer: an emerging actor in secret tests, a visionary writer pledging a bolder 007, and a director renowned for epic storytelling. While the iconic role remains officially unclaimed, Amazon’s behind-the-scenes moves signal a deliberate, prestige-driven approach to relaunching cinema’s most enduring spy. Stay tuned for official casting confirmation as this high-stakes mission develops.

Must Know

Who is Scott Rose-Marsh?
Rose-Marsh is a British actor with notable roles in BBC One’s psychological thriller Chloe and the World War II film Wolves of War. Though not yet a household name, his unexpected appearance in James Bond 26 casting rumors and reported screen tests positions him as a serious contender for the iconic role.

What makes Steven Knight’s approach to Bond unique?
Knight emphasizes creating a “stronger and bolder” Bond while respecting legacy. His background in character-driven, gritty dramas like Peaky Blinders suggests a focus on psychological depth and complex narratives, potentially moving away from the quippy tone of recent rumors toward a more grounded interpretation.

When will James Bond 26 filming begin?
No official start date exists. Director Denis Villeneuve is currently filming Dune: Part Three, and Steven Knight is still writing the script. Production will likely commence after Villeneuve completes his Dune commitments and the screenplay is finalized.

Why choose a lesser-known actor for Bond?
Casting relative unknowns (like Daniel Craig in 2005) allows audiences to fully embrace the actor as Bond without preconceptions. It also offers creative flexibility and often aligns with directors seeking fresh interpretations of iconic roles.