Bond Rumors: Gary Oldman Hints New James Bond Has Already Been Chosen, Jack Lowden in Spotlight

Bond rumors have intensified after Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman claimed that the next James Bond has already been chosen, while strongly expressing his hope that his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden will take over the iconic role.

Oldman made the comments during an interview with Canada’s The Morning Show while discussing the speculation surrounding Lowden’s possible involvement in the next James Bond movie. According to Oldman, the decision has already been made but has not yet been publicly announced.

However, there has been no official confirmation from Amazon MGM Studios that Jack Lowden is the next James Bond. Oldman’s remarks have therefore added fuel to the casting speculation rather than formally confirming Lowden as 007.

Gary Oldman’s James Bond Bombshell

Gary Oldman’s comments immediately attracted attention because the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement has been one of Hollywood’s biggest ongoing casting stories.

During the interview, Oldman was asked about reports linking Jack Lowden to the Bond role. He indicated that Lowden had been rumored to be on the shortlist and then suggested that the filmmakers had already made their choice.

Oldman said they had “made their choice” but had not announced it yet, before adding that his fingers were crossed for Lowden.

The comments have led to speculation that the long-running Bond casting process may have reached its final stage.

Is Jack Lowden the New James Bond?

Jack Lowden has emerged as one of the names most frequently connected with the next James Bond role.

The Scottish actor is best known internationally for playing River Cartwright in Apple’s spy thriller Slow Horses, where he stars alongside Gary Oldman.

Lowden’s performance as a young intelligence officer has already demonstrated his ability to handle action, espionage and the dramatic demands of a spy-focused story, making him a natural candidate for the Bond conversation.

However, despite the growing rumors, Jack Lowden has not been officially announced as James Bond. Other actors have also been linked to the role, meaning Oldman’s comments should not yet be treated as an official casting confirmation.

Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden’s Slow Horses Connection

The connection between Oldman and Lowden makes the latest Bond rumors particularly interesting.

In Slow Horses, Oldman plays Jackson Lamb, the unconventional and often abrasive head of an MI5 team known as Slough House. Lowden plays River Cartwright, a younger intelligence officer who finds himself working within the organization after a career setback.

Their professional relationship on the Apple TV+ series has given Oldman firsthand experience of Lowden’s acting abilities.

The timing of the speculation is also notable because Slow Horses Season 6 is scheduled to premiere on September 16, 2026, putting both actors back in the spotlight at the same time the Bond rumors are gaining momentum.

What Gary Oldman Actually Confirmed

Despite headlines suggesting that Lowden has been confirmed, Oldman’s comments were more carefully worded.

He claimed that the filmmakers have already selected someone for the role of James Bond. But when discussing Lowden specifically, Oldman expressed hope that the decision had gone in his co-star’s favor.

That distinction is important.

Oldman did not explicitly say, “Jack Lowden is James Bond.” Instead, he suggested that the decision had been made and then said he was hoping Lowden had received the role.

Therefore, the identity of the next Bond remains officially unconfirmed.

Who Else Is in the James Bond Race?

Jack Lowden is not the only actor whose name has been connected with the role.

Over recent months, several high-profile actors have been mentioned as possible successors to Daniel Craig, including Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson and Paul Mescal.

The wide range of rumored candidates has made the casting process difficult to predict from outside the production.

Recent reports have suggested that the process has moved into a more serious stage, with the filmmakers looking for an actor capable of carrying a new era of the franchise.

Daniel Craig’s Bond Legacy

The new James Bond actor will inherit a role that was most recently played by Daniel Craig.

Craig portrayed 007 across five films, beginning with Casino Royale in 2006 and concluding with No Time to Die in 2021.

His version of Bond became known for combining traditional elements of the character with a more physically intense and emotionally grounded interpretation.

Whoever replaces Craig will therefore face considerable expectations from audiences worldwide.

Bond 26 Has a New Creative Team

The upcoming James Bond movie, commonly referred to as Bond 26, is being developed under a new creative structure.

Denis Villeneuve, known for films including Dune and Arrival, is set to direct the next Bond film.

The screenplay is being written by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders and the writer behind several major television and film projects.

Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are also involved in the project.

Amazon MGM’s New Era of James Bond

The casting speculation comes at a major turning point for the franchise.

Amazon MGM Studios has taken a much more prominent role in the future of James Bond following its deal with longtime franchise guardians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

That transition has created significant interest in how the next Bond era will look, including the choice of actor, director, tone and overall direction of the franchise.

The next film is expected to establish a new chapter following Craig’s departure.

Why Jack Lowden Makes Sense for Bond

Jack Lowden’s experience in Slow Horses is one of the strongest reasons his name continues to appear in Bond discussions.

The series requires him to play an intelligence officer involved in surveillance, investigations, dangerous operations and political intrigue.

That experience gives Lowden a background that naturally overlaps with the world of James Bond.

He has also appeared in films such as Dunkirk and Mary Queen of Scots, demonstrating experience across different genres and historical settings.

Still, playing an MI5 officer in a television drama is very different from carrying a major global film franchise, so the final decision will depend on the filmmakers’ vision for the next 007.

Bond Fans Await Official Announcement

The biggest question now is when Amazon MGM will officially reveal the next James Bond.

With Oldman claiming that the choice has already been made, speculation is likely to intensify until the studio confirms the actor.

If Lowden is ultimately selected, Oldman’s comments could become one of the biggest accidental hints in the franchise’s modern casting history.

If another actor is chosen, his remarks could instead be interpreted simply as support for his Slow Horses co-star.

A New Era After Daniel Craig

The next James Bond film represents more than just a casting change.

Daniel Craig’s five-film run fundamentally reshaped the character, and the filmmakers now have the opportunity to establish a different interpretation of 007.

The choice of actor will influence the tone of the new era, particularly alongside Villeneuve’s direction and Knight’s screenplay.

That makes the casting decision one of the most important creative choices in the franchise’s recent history.

Key Takeaway

The latest Bond rumors have gained significant momentum after Gary Oldman claimed that the next James Bond has already been chosen.

Oldman strongly hinted at his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden, saying that Lowden has been rumored to be on the shortlist and expressing hope that he has secured the role.

However, Jack Lowden has not officially been confirmed as the next James Bond. Amazon MGM Studios has yet to publicly announce Daniel Craig’s successor.

With Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing the next Bond film, the official casting announcement is now one of the most anticipated developments surrounding the franchise.

FAQs

1. Has the new James Bond been chosen?

Gary Oldman claims that the filmmakers have already made their choice, but Amazon MGM Studios has not officially announced the actor.

2. Is Jack Lowden officially the next James Bond?

No. Jack Lowden has been heavily linked to the role, but there has been no official confirmation that he will play 007.

3. What did Gary Oldman say about Jack Lowden?

Oldman said Lowden had been rumored to be on the shortlist and suggested that the filmmakers had already made their choice. He also said his fingers were crossed for Lowden.

4. Why is Jack Lowden linked to James Bond?

Lowden’s role as River Cartwright in Slow Horses has given him significant experience playing an intelligence officer in a spy thriller.

5. Who played James Bond before the new actor?

Daniel Craig was the most recent James Bond. He played 007 from Casino Royale in 2006 through No Time to Die in 2021.

6. Who is directing the next James Bond movie?

Denis Villeneuve is directing the upcoming Bond film.

7. Who is writing Bond 26?

Steven Knight, known for creating Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay for the next James Bond movie.

8. When will the next James Bond movie be released?

An official release date has not yet been announced.

9. Who else has been rumored to play James Bond?

Names linked to the role include Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson and Paul Mescal, among others.

10. Why are the latest Bond rumors significant?

They suggest the casting process may have already reached a decision, while Jack Lowden’s connection to Gary Oldman and his spy role in Slow Horses has made him one of the most closely watched candidates.