Scottish actor Jack Lowden faces a surprise challenge in the race to become the next James Bond after two Hollywood stars emerged as contenders to replace Daniel Craig.
The 36-year-old, who grew up in the Scottish Borders, has been tipped to take over as 007 following his success in the Apple TV spy thriller Slow Horses.
But Batman star Robert Pattinson and Superman actor Nicholas Hoult have now reportedly joined the competition after taking part in secret screen tests for the coveted role.
According to Variety and The Times, the pair have auditioned for director Denis Villeneuve, who will direct the next instalment of the long-running film franchise.
Pattinson, 40, is one of Hollywood’s biggest names, having starred in the Twilight films before taking over as Batman. He has also worked with Villeneuve on the forthcoming Dune: Part Three.
Hoult, 36, has appeared in the X-Men films, Mad Max: Fury Road and Superman, in which he plays the villain Lex Luthor.
The two actors join a reported shortlist that includes Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor.
The latest twist follows weeks of speculation that Lowden could become the first Scottish actor to play Bond since Sean Connery.
His chances appeared to receive a boost when his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman publicly backed him for the role.
The Oscar-winning actor suggested in September that producers had already chosen their new Bond, although he later clarified that he was repeating a rumour rather than revealing inside information.
Oldman said he was hoping Lowden would secure the part.
Fellow Slow Horses star Kristin Scott Thomas has also backed the Scottish actor, praising his sense of humour, charisma and acting ability.
Lowden himself has been reluctant to discuss the speculation.
Speaking to British GQ last week, he described the attention as flattering but said he did not want to add to the growing rumours.
He expressed his appreciation for Oldman’s support, although he insisted he paid little attention to the speculation.
Lowden, who was raised in the Borders village of Oxton, has enjoyed a remarkable rise through British television, theatre and film.
After studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, he established himself on stage before appearing in productions including Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots and Benediction.
He has since won international acclaim playing MI5 agent River Cartwright opposite Oldman’s Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses.
The actor, who is married to Irish film star Saoirse Ronan, is also set to play Mr Darcy in Netflix’s forthcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
The next Bond film will be the first made under Amazon MGM Studios’ new creative control of the franchise.
It will be directed by Villeneuve, whose credits include Dune, Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival, with a screenplay by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
The casting process has been conducted under extraordinary secrecy, with The Times reporting that actors auditioned using specially protected scripts and that footage was transported to Hollywood for review.
Producer Amy Pascal has suggested that the identity of the next Bond could be announced before the end of the year.