Jack Lowden James Bond rumors prompt a candid reply about Gary Oldman
The Slow Horses actor finally weighed in after his co-star claimed producers already picked the next 007 behind closed doors.
Scottish actor Jack Lowden has spoken out about ongoing speculation linking him to the role of James Bond, addressing persistent casting rumors and public praise from his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman. In an interview with British GQ published on Monday, November 2, Lowden acknowledged the conversation surrounding 007 but made clear he intends to stay out of the hype.
“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 British GQ.
Lowden, who plays MI5 agent River Cartwright alongside Oldman in the Apple TV+ espionage drama since 2022, also addressed Oldman’s vocal campaign to see him step into the tuxedo.
What Lowden said about the Bond buzz
Oldman has repeatedly talked up Lowden’s credentials in recent months, but Lowden explained that he generally tunes out talk about his next career move.
“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,” Lowden said in the interview.
Lowden added that male actors often find themselves linked to the iconic spy franchise the moment they trade unconventional characters for formal wear. “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,” he told the publication.
How Gary Oldman championed his co-star
The speculation picked up significant steam in September 2026, when Oldman made headlines during an appearance on Canadian television show The Morning Show on Global, as reported by the Express & Star.
“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack,” Oldman said at the time.
Oldman later clarified his comments on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, as reported by The Independent, noting that he had no insider confirmation from producers. “I heard a rumour that they’ve picked James Bond, but they haven’t announced it yet, which is their prerogative. So I do not know [who has got the part], but I’m hoping it’s Jack,” Oldman explained.
Lowden’s name also surfaced during an August 2026 episode of the podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, where broadcaster Richard Osman mentioned that the actor was being “strongly considered” for the franchise.
Where the 007 search stands
The role of James Bond has remained vacant since Daniel Craig ended his five-film run with the release of No Time to Die in 2021. According to Deadline, producer Amy Pascal previously noted that an official casting announcement by the end of 2026 is “a good bet.”
Industry trade outlets, including Scottish News and The Independent, reported in late October 2026 that London screen tests were conducted with actors including Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor for the upcoming 26th installment, which is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight.
Despite the reports and frontrunner buzz highlighted by Page Six and the Evening Standard, Amazon MGM Studios has not officially confirmed any casting decision, the production schedule, or the title of the next film.
