Callum Turner Reveals His Ultimate Screen Idol

Callum Turner’s name has been bandied about as a possible Bond for some time now, thanks in no small part to his classic looks and undeniable charm. Comparisons to the likes of Brosnan and Craig have followed him, but Turner’s own influences stretch well beyond British shores. After a remarkable run in 2025, with standout roles in Eternity, Atropia, and The Rose of Nevada, he’s managed to shake off the ‘just another pretty face’ label. His commitment to acting is evident, and it’s not hard to see where that seriousness comes from.

Growing up, Turner was, by his own admission, “obsessed with Al Pacino and Gary Oldman.” Yet, there’s one Oscar-winning legend who stands above the rest in his eyes.

“Jack Nicholson is the god of cinema,”

Turner declared. He went on,

“He did Five Easy Pieces playing this alpha male character, then in The King Of Marvin Gardens he plays the complete opposite. He can do anything!”

Turner’s appreciation for Nicholson isn’t limited to the usual suspects. While most would point to The Shining or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Turner prefers to highlight a couple of less celebrated works that, in his view, were pivotal for Nicholson.

Spotlight on Nicholson’s Overlooked Masterpieces

Five Easy Pieces, released a year after Nicholson’s breakthrough in Easy Rider, marked his arrival as a leading man. The film, directed by Bob Rafelson, follows a disillusioned blue-collar worker wrestling with the paths not taken. Nicholson’s chemistry with Karen Black is a particular highlight. Despite multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor, the film often slips through the cracks when discussing the defining works of the 1970s.

Turner’s focus on these films is telling. He sees in them a kind of authenticity and realism that would go on to influence a generation of filmmakers. Without Five Easy Pieces, it’s hard to imagine directors like Hal Ashby or Jim Jarmusch getting the same opportunities. The King of Marvin Gardens, another Rafelson-Nicholson collaboration, offers a similarly bleak portrait, this time of a late-night radio host in Atlantic City. Bruce Dern, as Nicholson’s brother, delivers a performance that’s as memorable as the film’s gritty New Jersey setting.

Rafelson’s Quiet Influence

Bob Rafelson, though recognised in his day, rarely gets mentioned alongside the likes of Scorsese or Forman. Turner’s nod to Rafelson’s early work, especially his projects with Nicholson, might just prompt a few more people to seek out these overlooked gems. Films like Head or the remake of The Postman Always Rings Twice, while not household names, played a significant role in shaping the careers of those involved.

Turner’s film knowledge runs deep, and his choices reflect a genuine passion for the craft. He’s not simply ticking off the usual boxes; instead, he’s shining a light on the less obvious, the underappreciated, the quietly influential.

Dedication Beyond the Spotlight

Whether or not Turner ever dons the Bond tuxedo, it’s clear he’s in it for the long haul. His approach to acting is anything but superficial. With inspirations like Nicholson, Pacino, and Oldman, Turner’s path seems set on substance over style. He’s not chasing the limelight for its own sake; rather, he’s carving out a place for himself among those he admires most.