Scottish actor Jack Lowden has responded to speculation linking him to the next James Bond film, following reports that final auditions for the iconic role took place last month.
The 36-year-old actor was recently tipped as the frontrunner by his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman, who suggested that the producers had already settled on their preferred candidate but were yet to make an official announcement.
Speaking to GQ, Lowden described the comments as flattering but said he had no intention of adding to the growing speculation surrounding the casting process.
“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 said.
He also praised Oldman, describing him as a sweetheart and saying it was particularly nice to receive such recognition from someone he admired.
However, Lowden insisted that he did not pay much attention to the rumours.
The actor also observed that young male performers are frequently associated with the James Bond role whenever they take on more conventional, formal characters.
“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 added.
Gary Oldman Backs His Slow Horses Co-Star
Oldman recently fuelled the speculation by suggesting that Lowden had made the shortlist for the coveted 007 position.
Speaking about his co-star, the actor said there had been rumours that Lowden was among the final candidates and expressed confidence that an announcement would be made soon.
Oldman also revealed his belief that the producers had already made their decision, although no official confirmation had been released.
He added that he was keeping his fingers crossed for Lowden to secure the part.
Final Screen Tests Narrow Down the Contenders
Reports last month indicated that final screen tests had taken place at Bray Studios in Berkshire, with Lowden, Callum Turner and an unnamed actor among those auditioning to become the next James Bond.
Lowden has attracted considerable support from fans, while bookmakers have also placed him ahead of other reported contenders.
Ladbrokes listed the Scottish actor at odds of 8/11 to land the role, with Turner at 2/1.
Other potential candidates were given odds of 16/1.
A Ladbrokes spokesperson told The Sun that betting activity had increasingly favoured Lowden as the casting process approached its conclusion.
The spokesperson said the actor was already odds-on to secure the position, while the latest reports had further strengthened his backing among punters.
Turner was identified as his strongest competition.
Other actors whose names have been associated with the role include Josh O’Connor and Australian star Jacob Elordi, 29, who is reportedly believed to have missed out.
Harris Dickinson, known for The King’s Man, and Jack Barton, who appeared in SAS: Rogue Heroes, have also previously been linked to the part.
Bond Producers Prepare for Casting Announcement
Producer Amy Pascal indicated in August that the selection process was approaching its final stages, suggesting that the end of the year would be a reasonable timeframe for an announcement.
She explained that the production team was approaching the decision methodically, acknowledging the challenge of finding someone capable of following Daniel Craig’s portrayal of the famous British secret agent.
Pascal also said the next interpretation of the character would need to be different, exciting and distinctive.
The casting process was announced in May by director Denis Villeneuve and executives at Amazon MGM Studios. Villeneuve, known for directing Dune, is attached to direct the upcoming instalment.
An announcement by December would give the studio an opportunity to begin filming the next Bond movie in 2027.
Only six actors have officially portrayed Ian Fleming’s fictional British Secret Service agent in the film franchise: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
Lowden Opens Up About Wife Saoirse Ronan and Fatherhood
Away from the Bond speculation, Lowden also spoke about his marriage to actress Saoirse Ronan, whom he joined in Italy over the summer while she was working on a new film.
Reflecting on watching his wife perform, he described the experience as particularly special, noting that acting was how the couple first met.
He said watching her work in person was wonderful because she was so comfortable in her profession.
The couple welcomed their first child in September 2025 and have largely kept details about their baby private.
However, Lowden offered a glimpse into his experience of becoming a father, revealing that parenthood was something he had wanted since childhood.
He admitted that the responsibility had brought a new perspective, particularly when considering that he would be watching his child grow up while still feeling young himself.
