Jack Lowden has spoken out about speculation linking him to the role of James Bond, following reports that Daniel Craig's replacement has reportedly already been chosen. The Slow Horses actor is among several names repeatedly mentioned as a potential next 007, with Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor also said to be in contention.
Speaking to GQ, the 35-year-old, who plays MI5 agent River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ spy drama, said he was flattered by the speculation but reluctant to add further discussion about the coveted role.
Lowden's response to the rumours
Lowden said: "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."
He also praised his co-star Gary Oldman, whose earlier comments this year helped push him further into the Bond conversation. "But I don't really listen to it… 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," Lowden added.
Callum Turner emerges as frontrunner
The comments come amid growing speculation that producers have settled on their preferred candidate to take over from Craig, who played the iconic British spy for 15 years before stepping down in 2021's No Time To Die.
Callum Turner, 36, has emerged as a particularly strong contender, with industry sources suggesting he could have secured the part. The actor reportedly attended screen tests at Bray Studios in Berkshire on Friday, October 30, as part of the final casting process. He has also stepped down as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, the production company he founded with his wife, singer Dua Lipa, last year.
A source told The Sun: "Callum is making all the right moves to become the next James Bond. The role is all-consuming and commitment to it is a top priority of the producers."
Oldman's earlier comments and what's next
Oldman previously fuelled hopes that Lowden could land the part when he suggested in September that a decision had already been made. "We're going to find out pretty soon, aren't we? Because they have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack," he said. Oldman later clarified that he did not have inside knowledge of the casting decision and was simply expressing support for his co-star.
The next Bond film will mark the first instalment of the franchise under Amazon MGM Studios, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached to helm the reboot. Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay, while producer Amy Pascal has indicated that the casting process should conclude by the end of 2026.
