The race to become the next James Bond is intensifying, with several high-profile actors reportedly undergoing screen tests as producers search for a successor to Daniel Craig, who left the iconic role in 2021.

Among the leading names linked to the coveted 007 role are Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor, Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult, as speculation grows over who will lead the franchise’s 26th instalment.

The competition has become increasingly public, with reports of auditions and casting discussions fuelling debate among film fans.

Turner, known for his performances in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, has emerged as a strong contender. Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has also praised him, describing him as a strong actor with an impressive screen presence.

Lowden, who stars in the spy drama Slow Horses, is another prominent candidate, while O’Connor, known for The Crown and Challengers, has acknowledged that being considered for the role is an extraordinary experience.

Pattinson, who has previously portrayed Batman, and Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor in the recent Superman films, have also reportedly undergone screen tests, adding two established Hollywood names to the competition.

However, reports published on Friday suggest that Pattinson may have gained an advantage after receiving more favourable proposed contract terms than other contenders.

The reports have fuelled speculation that Amazon MGM Studios could be leaning towards the actor, although no casting decision has been confirmed.

Other names mentioned in the wider speculation include pop star Harry Styles and actor Theo James.

Producer Amy Pascal has said the selection process is being handled methodically, acknowledging the challenge of finding someone capable of following Craig’s celebrated portrayal.

The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on Dune, while Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay. Producers David Heyman and Pascal are overseeing the project.

The casting decision carries significant weight as the franchise enters a new era under Amazon MGM Studios, which secured creative control of the Bond films following its deal with longtime franchise stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in 2025.

Craig’s final appearance as the British secret agent came in No Time to Die in 2021, ending a 15-year run that included five films.

With producers expected to reveal their choice before the end of 2026, the question remains whether the next 007 will be an established Hollywood star or a less familiar face.

INSPIRO, the Creative Economy Strategy and Development company, has announced ART ATTACK 2026 – a Contemporary Art Experience, and an INSPIRO-owned initiative presented in partnership with FREEDOM PARK’S RETURN TO EDEN 2, the grand reopening celebration marking the Park’s rebirth and formal reopening this December.

Running from December 1 to 31, 2026, ART ATTACK will bring together a diverse community of artists, collectors, creatives and art enthusiasts in a month-long celebration of visual arts, creativity and cultural expression.

Anchored on the philosophy that ART BELONGS TO EVERYONE, ART ATTACK is conceived as a people’s art event that seeks to take art beyond conventional gallery spaces, make original artworks more accessible, create opportunities for emerging and established artists, and encourage wider public appreciation of contemporary art.

Recognising the considerable untapped commercial and cultural potential of Nigeria’s visual arts sector, ART ATTACK seeks to bridge the gap between artists, collectors and the general public, creating opportunities to discover, experience, appreciate and acquire original works of art.

MORE THAN AN EXHIBITION: AN IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE

ART ATTACK 2026 will showcase diverse creative expressions, including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, mixed media and art installations. The programme will also feature live art demonstrations, workshops, art sales, talks and creative conversations.

Beyond the exhibition of artworks, the experience will encourage interaction, learning, discovery and creative exchange, providing participating artists with opportunities to engage new audiences and connect with potential buyers.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: SHOWCASE YOUR ART. MAKE ART ACCESSIBLE.

ART ATTACK 2026 invites artists to submit between three and five artworks for consideration and possible exhibition. Submissions are welcome across painting, photography and other two-dimensional works, sculpture and pottery.

Artist participation is FREE, subject to review and selection. Paintings, photography and other two-dimensional works must not exceed 24 x 30 inches, including frame, while sculpture and pottery must not exceed 30 inches in height, including base. Submitted artworks should be attractively and affordably priced to encourage accessibility and sales.

Artists are required to submit clear images of their proposed artworks to: soloadynamic@gmail.com and copy: inspiro77@gmail.com and artostudio93@gmail.com

WORKS SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2026.

A CULTURAL DECEMBER CELEBRATION
Through its partnership with Freedom Park’s RETURN TO EDEN 2 – THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM PARK LAGOS, ART ATTACK will form part of a wider Cultural December programme featuring several events and activities celebrating culture, heritage, creativity and community engagement.

Freedom Park, with its historic significance and cultural identity, provides a fitting setting for these collaborative initiatives, creating opportunities to celebrate creative expression, preserve cultural heritage and introduce contemporary art and other forms of creativity to broader and more diverse audiences.

ADVANCING NIGERIA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY

For INSPIRO the inaugural ART ATTACK represents both a celebration of its 25th Anniversary and an extension of its commitment to developing Nigeria’s creative economy through platforms that enable talent, creativity and original ideas to find expression, generate value and create economic opportunities.

ART ATTACK is curated by Arto Studio & Soloadynamic and powered by INSPIRO PRODUCTIONS, whose broader vision is to enable creativity to find expression, create value and generate wealth.

ART ATTACK 2026 invites artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, corporate organisations, cultural institutions and the general public to participate in an initiative that celebrates creativity, expands access to the arts and creates new possibilities for the visual arts community.

ART ATTACK 2026 – ART BELONGS TO EVERYONE.

AN INSPIRO INITIATIVE
Creative Economy Strategy & Development
www.inspiroproductionsltd.com

Veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

His family announced his death on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their support.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.

“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.

Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness.

In June, concern spread among fans and colleagues after a video showing the actor looking frail circulated on social media.

Responding to the reports, Duru shared a video on Instagram in which he described the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in the country before relocating to Nigeria for university studies.

He gained admission to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

Duru began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.

However, he gained wider recognition in 1995 after featuring in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. He played Ahanna in the film.

Throughout his career, Duru received several awards and honours for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry. He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.

In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together. The family lost one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.