Jack Lowden on James Bond rumors
The Next 007: The Race for the Crown
The wait is on, and the buzz around the casting of the next James Bond is reaching a fever pitch. While Amazon MGM Studios is taking its time to assemble the perfect ensemble, the talent pool is as dazzling as the iconic secret agent himself. With the transition into a new era following Daniel Craig’s tenure, the behind-the-scenes creative team is already brimming with formidable talent, including screenwriter Steven Knight and director Denis Villeneuve, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
In a move that has sparked significant speculation, final round screen tests have recently taken place, throwing several highly acclaimed actors into the spotlight. Names like Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor, Jacob Elordi, Jack O’Connell, and Richard Madden are all rumored to be vying for the coveted role of 007, adding further heat to the industry gossip.
Among the contenders, Jack Lowden has emerged as a major front-runner. While he is currently enjoying success with his work on Slow Horses, the opportunity to step into the world of Bond has captured significant attention. When asked about the ongoing rumors, Lowden offered a measured response, acknowledging the praise while maintaining his privacy:
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. 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.
The weight of the casting is certainly felt by the industry elite. Legendary actor Gary Oldman, a familiar face on the Bond landscape, offered his endorsement, hinting that the studio may have already made its selection. Despite not having official confirmation, Oldman expressed his support for Lowden, saying that his fingers are crossed for him:
It’s been rumored that Lowden is on the shortlist…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.
Adding to the anticipation is the creative direction of the project. Denis Villeneuve, known for his masterful vision, has brought his deep affection for the franchise to the forefront. He views the role of Bond as a sacred territory, reflecting a lifelong devotion to the films. Villeneuve expressed his excitement and commitment to the project, stating that he intends to honor the tradition and open the path for new missions:
Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.