Speculation over the next James Bond never seems to stop, with names like Tom Holland, Taron Egerton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and fan favorite Henry Cavill often circulating. But with Bond 26 now moving forward under director Denis Villeneuve and screenwriter Steven Knight, the chatter is beginning to feel more substantial. The newest rumor points to English actor Scott Rose-Marsh, who reportedly screen-tested for the role of 007.

A “well-placed source close to the production” told The Hollywood Reporter that Rose-Marsh was invited in late June to read scenes from ‘GoldenEye’ (1995) for Villeneuve. He may have also tried out material written by Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, for the upcoming film. According to the source, Rose-Marsh was given one key instruction before cameras rolled: avoid imitating any previous Bond.

Rose-Marsh, 37, is best known for roles in ‘Wolves of War,’ ‘Krays: Code of Silence,’ and TV series including ‘Chloe’ and ‘The Outlaws.’ A graduate of the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, he would mark a first for the franchise if chosen: becoming the first red-haired actor to portray Bond. Daniel Craig broke tradition as the first blond Bond, and more recently, another redhead, Patrick Gibson, has been cast as 007 in the video game First Light, though that depiction isn’t tied to the film series.

Rose-Marsh’s profile photos on Wikipedia and Instagram often show him with darker hair, suggesting he dyes it for roles. Somerset Live noted his recent physical transformation, saying he has become leaner and sharper-featured, aligning with the modern vision of Bond. He also bears a noticeable scar above his right eye—a detail reminiscent of Ian Fleming’s literary Bond, who had a scar on his cheek but whose cinematic counterparts have never shared the trait.

Still, a screen test doesn’t guarantee Rose-Marsh will don the tuxedo. He could just as easily end up in another role—or miss out on the project entirely.

Bond 26 will be the first installment produced by Amazon MGM Studios under new producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal, who are stepping in after longtime custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

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