Could the Next James Bond Be a Redhead? Actor Scott Rose-Marsh Reportedly Auditioned For 007 Role

As James Bond fans eagerly await official news on Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming 007 film, a new casting rumor has surfaced and it’s not what fans might be expecting. According to a recent report, one actor might have already stepped into the iconic spy’s shoes for an audition… and he’s a redhead.

The Dune director is set to helm the next James Bond movie for Amazon MGM Studios after wrapping up Dune: Part Three. This marks a new chapter for the franchise, as Amazon now has full creative control following a major joint venture deal with longtime Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

So far, no actor has officially been cast and the release date remains under wraps. What we do know is that Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is writting the script for what’s being called Bond 26.

Now, The Hollywood Reporter claims that Scott Rose-Marsh, a 37-year-old actor with fiery red hair, was quietly brought in for a screen test in late June. Their insider source revealed that he was asked to read lines from GoldenEye, likely for Villeneuve, who had just joined the project.

“He might also have tackled pages from the script Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is said to be whipping up for Bond 26. Whatever the material, [The Hollywood Reporter’s Rambling Reporter’s] source claims Rose-Marsh was given just one piece of direction before the test cameras rolled: Don’t impersonate a previous Bond.

“If Rose-Marsh did indeed test, it torpedoes one widely held theory swirling around the film — that Amazon, which purchased the 007 franchise for a reported $1 billion this year, is looking to reboot with a 20-something Bond to lure younger audiences.”

Neither Amazon MGM Studios nor Rose-Marsh have responded to requests for comment, so for now, this info should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, it’s a juicy development for fans tracking every hint about who will carry the Bond legacy forward.

Scott Rose-Marsh may not be a household name, but he’s racked up some solid screen credits. His film work includes Code of Silence (2021) and Wolves of War (2022), and he’s popped up on shows like The Outlaws, Chloe, and Yr Amgueddfa.

If this rumor holds any truth, it could mean the Bond franchise is ready to shake up tradition with an interesting casting choice. A redheaded Bond? That’s something we haven’t seen before.