Jack Lowden breaks silence on James Bond rumours as Amazon MGM narrows shortlist

Lowden breaks his silence

Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly down to four candidates for the role of 007, though it has not made its decision public. One name drawing the most attention is Jack Lowden, the Scottish actor who plays a spy in Slow Horses and is widely described as the frontrunner. In an interview with British GQ, reported on 2 November, Lowden called the speculation "all very flattering" but said he would not add to the noise. He also reflected on how quickly the public turns on young actors who step into suit-and-tie roles, and said he does not really follow the talk about his own future.

“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.”

Rivals and screen tests

Lowden is reported to be in contention with Callum Turner, known for Green Room, and Josh O'Connor, the star of Challengers, while a fourth candidate has not been named. The Evening Standard reported that Lowden, Turner and O'Connor screen tested for the role in London in October. Deadline had reported in October that the three were undergoing screen tests alongside an unnamed fourth actor. Casting is being run with the help of Nina Gold, a casting veteran whose credits include Game of Thrones, The Crown and The Day of the Jackal. Sources differ on when the process began: the Evening Standard says casting got underway in May, while the Irish Independent says auditions have been running since the summer.

Kristin Scott Thomas, who appears alongside Lowden in Slow Horses, told The Times that he would be very good as Bond.

“He's got that twinkle, he's cheeky and he's a very, very good actor.”

Producers and timing

Amazon took full creative control of the franchise last year, ending the long custodianship of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. The next film, which is still untitled, will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, and David Heyman will work alongside producer Amy Pascal. Pascal told Deadline earlier this year that an announcement by the end of the year was a good bet, and she described the studio's approach as very methodical. She also said the new actor needs to be something really different from Daniel Craig, whom she called a hard act to follow. There is no official timeline for the decision, but most people in the know expect it by the end of 2026.

Oldman's backing and Craig's exit

Lowden's Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman publicly backed him in September, saying he had heard Lowden was on the shortlist. Oldman later said he had only heard a rumour, and at the Toronto International Film Festival he said he did not know who had the part but hoped it was Lowden. He stood by the claim that a choice had been made but not yet announced.

“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.”

Daniel Craig took over the role with Casino Royale in 2006 and left the franchise after No Time To Die in 2021, leaving the part vacant since. According to the Irish Independent, Lowden is also set to play Mr Darcy in Netflix's upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation.