Key Highlights
- Jack Lowden has addressed mounting speculation that he is a leading candidate to play James Bond, calling the chatter “very flattering” while refusing to fuel the rumors.
- Lowden’s Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman publicly endorsed him, expressing hope that Lowden secures the role after suggesting casting may already be finalized.
- Reports indicate screen tests are nearing final stages, with actors Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor also linked to the race to succeed Daniel Craig.
Jack Lowden Breaks Silence on James Bond Casting Rumors
Scottish actor Jack Lowden has officially weighed in on persistent reports naming him a frontrunner to take over the legendary mantle of James Bond. The MI6 operative’s tuxedo has remained empty since Daniel Craig concluded his five-film tenure as the secret agent in 2021’s No Time to Die. Since Craig departed the franchise—later pivoting to playing the southern detective Benoit Blanc in Netflix’s Knives Out series—the entertainment industry has engaged in nonstop debate over who will next wield the Walther PPK.
Across decades of cinema, seven actors have offered distinct interpretations of Ian Fleming’s superspy, ranging from extravagant adventures filled with high-tech space lasers and killer piranhas to the bruising, grounded realism of the Craig era. Recent reports indicate that the recruitment process is finally approaching its concluding phases, with Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor reportedly undergoing screen tests for the blockbuster franchise.
The ‘Slow Horses’ Connection and Gary Oldman’s Endorsement
Lowden’s profile as a potential 007 soared largely due to his critically praised turn in the Apple TV spy thriller Slow Horses. The series explores a far grittier corner of espionage than the world of Vesper Martinis, trading luxury for grease-stained takeaways, bureaucratic purgatory, and coarse language. In the show, Lowden plays River Cartwright, an ambitious operative relegated to the rejected “Slow Horses” division at Slough House following a botched training exercise. Cartwright serves as a direct foil to the unkempt, foul-mouthed spymaster Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman.
Oldman recently amplified the casting frenzy during a press junket, remarking that he believed Bond has now been cast and openly hoping that Lowden had secured the part. Confronted with the endorsement and the media swirl, Lowden addressed the situation in an interview with GQ without closing the door entirely.
On this… It’s all very flattering. It’s nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I’m just not really going to add to the noise,
Lowden told GQ. It’s very nice, and Gary’s a sweetheart – it’s particularly lovely, coming from someone like him. But I don’t really listen to it.
He continued: As a young male actor, generally, the minute you’re not playing a zany artist type, the minute you’re in a suit, people fling it at you.
Past Reflections on Daniel Craig and the Spy Genre
Lowden’s guarded reaction reflects a consistent reluctance to position himself as the successor to the franchise. In 2023, two years following the theatrical release of Craig’s final outing in No Time to Die, Lowden shared his admiration for the outgoing star with UNILAD.
I still really am not over the fact that Daniel Craig doesn’t do it anymore,
Lowden stated at the time. I think an older James Bond would be fantastic. That’s where Jackson Lamb is maybe going to start a new breed of spies. It should either still be Daniel Craig, or maybe we should go the way of more Jackson Lamb.
Why This Matters
The appointment of a new James Bond represents one of the most consequential decisions in modern cinema, setting the tone for a multi-billion-dollar franchise that has spanned more than six decades. With Slow Horses already renewed and reaching six seasons, Lowden has demonstrated an ability to anchor a complex, high-stakes espionage series. Should the casting tests involving Lowden, Turner, or O’Connor solidify into an official announcement, it will signal the definitive creative direction the producers intend to pursue for the post-Craig era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Jack Lowden confirmed he is playing James Bond?
No. Jack Lowden has neither confirmed nor denied the reports. While acknowledging that being linked to the iconic role is flattering, he stated that he does not want to add to the ongoing public speculation.
Who else is rumored to be screen-testing for the next James Bond?
Alongside Jack Lowden, actors Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor have also been widely reported to be undergoing screen tests as casting reaches its concluding stages.
What did Gary Oldman say about the 007 role?
Gary Oldman stated at a press junket that he believed James Bond had already been cast, expressing his personal hope that his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden landed the role.
