Slow Horses Star Jack Lowden Calls Bond Rumors ‘Flattering’
Jack Lowden has called speculation that he could play James Bond “flattering,” but declined to say whether he had auditioned. Gary Oldman had previously voiced…
Jack Lowden, the Slow Horses star linked to the next James Bond role, has called the speculation “flattering” in an interview published on November 2, 2026, while declining to say whether he had auditioned. The Scottish actor said he would not add to the discussion as reports placed him among candidates to replace Daniel Craig.
“It's nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I'm just not really going to add to the noise,” Lowden told GQ Hype. He did not confirm or deny whether he was involved in the audition process.
The casting remains unannounced. Gary Oldman, Lowden’s Slow Horses co-star, had previously expressed hope that Lowden would land the part, then clarified that he did not know who had been chosen.
Why is Slow Horses star Jack Lowden linked to Bond?
Lowden has been reported to be in the running alongside Callum Turner and Josh O'Connor. The actor who gets the role will succeed Craig, who played Bond in Casino Royale and left the role after his fifth film, No Time To Die.
Lowden said the speculation often follows a familiar pattern for male actors. “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 said.
He also responded to Oldman’s public support. “It's very nice, and Gary's a sweetheart – it's particularly lovely, coming from someone like him,” Lowden said. “But I don't really listen to it.”
Oldman’s comments had fueled attention around Lowden’s name. Speaking to Canada's Global, the actor said it had been rumored that his co-star was on the shortlist and voiced hope that he would be selected.
“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack,” Oldman said.
He later clarified his remarks during an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival. Oldman said he had heard a rumor that producers had chosen someone from a shortlist, but stressed that he did not know who had got the part and was hoping it would be Lowden.
That distinction matters for fans following the casting: Oldman’s earlier remark was not confirmation that Lowden had been selected. Lowden, meanwhile, has offered no indication that he has secured the role, keeping his response focused on the attention rather than the outcome.
What is known about the next Bond film?
The next Bond film is in development. Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, will write the script, while Denis Villeneuve is set to direct. Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the project, which remains untitled.
Lowden is known for film roles including Dunkirk and Mary Queen Of Scots, along with television work in Slow Horses and War and Peace. He has received two Baftas and a Laurence Olivier Award, and has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
His next role is alongside Emma Corrin in an adaptation of Pride And Prejudice by Dolly Alderton. For now, Lowden has left the Bond speculation where it is: “I'm just not really going to add to the noise.”
