Jack Lowden has addressed, for the first time, reports that he sits among the finalists to play James Bond, calling the attention flattering while declining to feed it. The “Slow Horses” star spoke to British GQ in an interview published Monday.
“I’m just not really going to add to the noise,” Lowden said. He added that young actors who put on a suit tend to attract Bond speculation, a pattern he suggested says more about casting rumors than about any actual decision. He also played down remarks by his co-star Gary Oldman, who said in September that Amazon had already picked its 007 and that his “fingers are crossed” for Lowden.
Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed nothing. Trade reports say final screen tests began in London around Oct. 23 under casting director Nina Gold, with stunts, dialogue and camera presence all under review. Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor were reported alongside Lowden as the main contenders, and sources told several outlets that at least four actors tested. Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, Nicholas Hoult and Jack O’Connell were linked to the role earlier in the search but are reportedly out. Lowden’s wife, the actor Saoirse Ronan, has said the subject rarely comes up at home.
Denis Villeneuve is directing the film, with “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight writing and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. The movie follows Daniel Craig’s final turn in “No Time to Die” in 2021, and Amazon, which took creative control of the franchise last year, has given no release date. Industry watchers expect an announcement before the end of the year, though the studio has set no timeline.
Online betting has moved quickly. Polymarket this weekend had Lowden at 46% to be named, Turner at 27% and O’Connor at 12%, while Kalshi put Turner narrowly ahead. Those figures reflect speculation and bookmaker trends, not casting news.
Skeptics note that Lowden’s River Cartwright, an MI5 agent consigned to a dreary department for a blunder, hardly resembles the polished, unflappable 007. Supporters counter that the role has long shown the range a Bond needs: drama, action and physical stunt work. Villeneuve’s film, they argue, suits an actor with that breadth.
