Trina Parks backs Sydney Sweeney as Bond girl amid Joe Alwyn audition mystery

Trina Parks, the 79-year-old star of Diamonds Are Forever, has declared that Sydney Sweeney would make a "wonderful" Bond girl. In a new interview with the Telegraph, reported by the Daily Mail ^[1], Parks argued that the next 007 film needs a woman who possesses "ownership over her sexuality" and independence.

Parks, who made history as the first African American actress to play a Bond Girl as the henchwoman Thumper, praised Sweeney’s classic Hollywood style and poise. "She has done quite a range of acting things and basically has got ownership of her sexual identity," Parks said, noting that modern audiences desire a female lead who is independent.

The endorsement comes as the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement intensifies. Final screen tests for the lead role reportedly took place over the weekend at Bray Studios, according to the Daily Mail ^[2]. Callum Turner kicked off the auditions on Friday, followed by the arrival of a mystery actor on Saturday, sparking widespread speculation online.

Bond sleuths on Reddit have pointed to Joe Alwyn as the likely mystery contender. Fans argue it makes sense given his recent presence in London and his established relationship with casting director Nina Gold. One user noted that Alwyn was in the city for a friend’s wedding, potentially fitting the audition into his schedule.

The shortlist is understood to include between three and five actors. Besides Turner, the frontrunner, other names in the ring include Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor, and Australian actor Jacob Elordi. A source told the Daily Mail that the process has been years in the making and that the next few days would be crucial.

Bray Studios, acquired by Amazon MGM Studios in 2024, serves as the historic home for these tests. Producer Amy Pascal previously stated that casting should be confirmed by the end of the year to allow filming to begin in 2027. With only six actors having ever played James Bond, the decision remains methodical and highly guarded.