Robert Pattinson is the frontrunner to play James Bond

Robert Pattinson is the frontrunner to play James Bond.

The Batman has is among a number of actors, including Nicholas Hoult, Jack Lowden, Josh O'Connor and Callum Turner, who have tested for the role, but Pattinson is said to be in pole position for a number of reasons, including his previous working relationship with director Denis Villeneuve.

According to Puck's Matthew Belloni, each of the actors signed pre-negotiated employment contracts and Pattinson was offered “a whole lot more money than the others”.

Pattinson’s package also reportedly included a commitment to three movies, while O'Connor and Lowden’s agreements were for four films.

Puck reported that Villeneuve already “has a relationship with Pattinson. having directed him in the third Dune movie” and added that previous Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, “made it known to those in her orbit that she liked Pattinson for Bond” back in 2019.

Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve recently shared that he is "pushing the gas" on casting the next James Bond.

The 59-year-old filmmaker will be at the helm of the next 007 big screen adventure, and speculation is at a fever pitch with people wondering who will succeed Daniel Craig in the iconic role.

Asked for an update, Villeneuve told GQ magazine: "It’s - it’s in the process. In the process. I am pushing the gas.”