Jacob Elordi's reported relationship with Kendall Jenner raised concerns about his James Bond prospects because of the publicity surrounding her family, allegedly losing him the role.
Writing in his Naughty But Nice newsletter on 25 October, entertainment commentator Rob Shuter claimed that anonymous sources alleged that the Kardashian-Jenner connection had damaged the actor's chances. Shuter did not say whether either source was involved in choosing the next Bond. Their claim about Jenner's influence remains unconfirmed.
Shuter Links Bond Claim to Kardashian Publicity
Shuter's account centred on whether the Kardashian-Jenner family's public profile could compete with the film and its leading actor during promotional appearances. He claimed that the publicity around the family overwhelmed whatever other talents he could bring to the table as an actor.
'The Bond people want mystery, sophistication and old-school glamour — not Kardashian-style celebrity exposure,' one anonymous insider told his newsletter. 'Being linked to that world became a problem. They want 007 to feel untouchable, and this brought exactly the kind of attention they didn't want.'
The comments describe an alleged concern about publicity. They do not establish that Jenner or her family were central to the discussions of those selecting the next Bond.
'Protecting the Fantasy' of James Bond
A second anonymous source quoted by Shuter framed the issue as a question of preserving the character's image. 'It's about protecting the fantasy,' the source said. 'Bond isn't supposed to be caught up in the Kardashian universe. The producers want an actor who makes audiences believe he's 007, not someone whose personal life threatens to become the bigger story.'
Shuter did not explain how either source knew about the casting discussions, or how deeply they were in the know about the process itself. None of these claims have been confirmed by the production, and indeed, no one has been chosen to take upon the role of James Bond as of press time.
Jenner and Elordi's Reported Romance
Jenner and Elordi knew each other socially for years before their connection became romantic, a source told Us Weekly. Their public appearances and trips together have since drawn attention. After visiting Hawaii in May, the pair travelled to Japan, where they were photographed at Tokyo restaurant Seirinkan. The restaurant shared the pictures on Instagram and thanked them for visiting.
Not all the stories about their relationship have gone unchallenged. Jenner's half-brother, Brody Jenner, dismissed claims that the family was concerned about Elordi not contributing financially to the couple's holidays as 'clickbait'.
Jacob Elordi filming Kendall Jenner as she walks the red carpet at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California - 10/17.
— Kendall’s Gallery (@kendallsjbrs) October 18, 2026
📸 More pics: https://t.co/SO8bUNRBjb pic.twitter.com/3vXKNwSvrK
On 17 October, Jenner and Elordi walked the red carpet separately at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles before reuniting inside. At the time, neither had publicly addressed their relationship.
Elordi Not Among Reported Screen-Test Contenders
Elordi was not among the actors expected to screen-test in October as the search for Daniel Craig's successor continued. At least four actors had been offered screen tests by 23 October, including Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden, One Night Only actor Callum Turner, and Challengers star Josh O'Connor.
Neither the Euphoria actor nor the Sinners star Jack O'Connell was expected to screen-test, despite both having been considered for the role. On 23 October, auditions were expected to begin that week and potentially continue into the following week.
Amazon MGM Studios previously said it would not discuss specific casting details while the search was underway.
Statement from Amazon MGM Studios:
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) May 14, 2026
“The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.” pic.twitter.com/2RLm8fITWQ
