Jack Lowden Bond Rumors
Gary Oldman suggests Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden leads the new James Bond race.
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Key Points
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Richard Osman had previously said on the “Rest Is Entertainment” podcast that Jack Lowden was “strongly considered” for Bond, while stressing that this did not mean Lowden had definitely secured the role.
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Lowden has played River Cartwright, a troubled MI5 agent, on “Slow Horses” since 2022—an espionage role that has created an ironic link to the more glamorous Bond character.
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Amy Pascal has firsthand Bond-franchise experience, having worked on “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace” and “Skyfall,” before describing the search for Craig’s replacement as “really, really methodical.”
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Some previously rumored contenders have publicly distanced themselves from the role: Theo James told GQ he was “definitely too old now,” while James Norton said he could “honestly, hand on heart” say he was not in the running.
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Lowden and Oldman are both nominated for acting awards at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, with Lowden recognized for supporting actor and Oldman for lead actor in a drama series.
Actor Gary Oldman sparked major speculation about James Bond's future by stating that producers have already chosen Daniel Craig's successor, while expressing hope that his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden gets the role. MEAWW reported Oldman's comments during a Canadian television interview, saying "They have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet." However, Amazon MGM Studios has made no official announcement, and Oldman did not explicitly confirm Lowden was selected.
Lowden, age 36, has emerged as a leading contender alongside other rumored candidates including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, and Paul Mescal. Producer Amy Pascal, who worked on Casino Royale and Skyfall, described the casting search as "really, really methodical" and suggested an announcement could come by the end of 2026. The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight.
Lowden's Path From Spy Thriller to 007
Jack Lowden has played River Cartwright, a troubled MI5 agent, on Apple TV's Slow Horses since 2022. The espionage role creates an ironic parallel to the glamorous Bond character. Richard Osman, a presenter and podcast host, revealed on The Rest Is Entertainment that industry sources confirmed Lowden is being "strongly considered" for the role, noting he has "real Daniel Craig energy." The casting marks a significant transition as Lowden moves from portraying the unglamorous side of spy work to one of cinema's most iconic characters.
Other Contenders Step Back From the Race
Several actors previously rumored for the Bond role have publicly distanced themselves from consideration. Actor Theo James told GQ magazine he was "definitely too old now," while James Norton said he could "honestly, hand on heart" confirm he was not in the running. The eliminations narrow the field significantly, though Amazon MGM Studios maintains strict confidentiality about its final decision. The studio has refused public comment on the selection process or timeline.
The Search Reflects Amazon MGM's Bond Strategy Shift
Amazon MGM Studios took direct creative oversight of the James Bond franchise in early 2025 after years under EON Productions' leadership. The casting search began in May 2026, with screen testing preparation reported by Deadline and Puck News over the summer months. Amy Pascal's involvement brings deep franchise experience from three previous Bond films. At 36 years old, Lowden fits the traditional 30-to-40 age range historically favored for multi-film Bond contracts, positioning him well for a long-term commitment.
Notably, both Lowden and Oldman are nominated for acting awards at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. Lowden earned a nomination for supporting actor and Oldman for lead actor in a drama series, both for their Slow Horses performances. The simultaneous nominations have drawn additional media attention to their collaboration, amplifying speculation around the Bond casting during an already high-profile awards season.
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