Gary Oldman Claims Next James Bond Is Cast as He Backs Co-Star Jack Lowden
-
Post By
DJ Longers
- September 7, 2026
‘They Have Made Their Choice’: Gary Oldman Claims Next James Bond Is Cast as He Backs Co-Star Jack Lowden
LONDON — Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman has sent the cinematic world into overdrive after claiming that Amazon MGM Studios and 007 producers have officially cast the next James Bond, while throwing his full support behind his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden.
Speaking during a promotional interview with Canada’s Global News on Monday, the 68-year-old screen icon dropped a major bombshell regarding the long-running, highly secretive search to replace Daniel Craig.
When asked about persistent speculation framing 36-year-old Scottish actor Lowden as a frontrunner for the iconic licence to kill, Oldman suggested that the decision is already signed and sealed behind studio doors.
‘My Fingers Are Crossed for Jack’
Oldman, who stars alongside Lowden in Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed espionage drama Slow Horses, spoke candidly about the casting timeline and his colleague's chances.
"It's been rumoured that he's on the shortlist or he's one of [the people in consideration]," Oldman noted. "We're going to find out pretty soon, because they have picked... They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So, my fingers are crossed for Jack."
While Oldman stopped short of explicitly confirming whether Lowden was the actor who landed the role, his comments strongly imply that an official public unveiling from EON Productions and Amazon MGM Studios is imminent.
Lowden, best known for his scene-stealing turns in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, BBC drama The Gold, and his portrayal of MI5 agent River Cartwright in Slow Horses, has long been a favourite among bookmakers and film critics alike.
Inside the 007 Shortlist
Oldman's unexpected disclosure comes amidst intense industry chatter surrounding the coveted role.
Reports circulating across Hollywood last month suggested that producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, alongside incoming director Denis Villeneuve, had narrowed their focus to a select group of rising British and international talent. Alongside Lowden, names heavily linked to testing included Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, and Heartstopper breakout Jack Barton.
Lowden previously addressed the Bond rumours in 2022 as "lovely", though he downplayed his prospects at the time. However, industry figures, including broadcaster Richard Osman, have recently claimed on industry podcasts that Lowden has been leading the pack.
Key Details — Next James Bond Search
| Production Feature | Official / Reported Details |
| Franchise | James Bond (26th EON Feature) |
| Studio / Banner | Amazon MGM Studios & EON Productions |
| Endorsed Candidate | Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) |
| Key Endorsement | Gary Oldman (Slow Horses co-star) |
| Reported Shortlist Rivals | Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Jack Barton |
| Current Casting Status | Unannounced; Allegedly finalised according to Oldman |
Silence from Amazon MGM
Neither EON Productions nor Amazon MGM Studios has issued a formal response to Oldman’s comments.
With production on Bond 26 aiming to commence in 2027, Oldman’s slip suggests that the global media frenzy surrounding the next 007 may be reaching its definitive conclusion. Should Lowden secure the tuxedo, he would become the second Scottish actor to portray James Bond, following in the legendary footsteps of Sir Sean Connery.
