Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have entered the mix as late contenders to play the next James Bond. According to Variety, both British actors participated in screen-tests for the role following the 15-year tenure of Daniel Craig.

The actors bring significant experience in major franchises to the table. Pattinson currently stars as Batman for DC Studios and has appeared in the "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" series. He is also set to star in director Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming epic "Dune: Part Three." Hoult plays Lex Luthor in DC’s Superman movies and appeared in the "X-Men" prequel trilogy of the 2010s. Hoult is also scheduled to star in the Amazon MGM Studios film "How to Rob a Bank," which opens next Friday, Nov. 13.

The casting process is a top priority for the property’s new stewards, producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman. While many 30-something British actors have been mentioned in the press, including Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor, and Jack Lowden, Variety has learned that Harry Styles has had discussions about the part. Additionally, Theo James has not been ruled out.

The search has seen input from established actors. Pierce Brosnan recently gave his stamp of approval to Callum Turner. Gary Oldman supported his "Slow Horses" co-star Jack Lowden and also claimed that the next James Bond has already been picked, though no official announcement has been made.

Amazon declined to comment on the casting rumors.