Actor Gary Oldman claimed during a recent interview that filmmakers have already selected the next James Bond, sparking fresh speculation in the long-running 007 casting saga. The studio behind the franchise has not confirmed the claim, while veteran actors and former Bond stars weigh in on who might inherit the iconic role.
The intense, years-long casting sweepstakes for the next James Bond may finally be drawing to a close behind closed doors. Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman dropped a surprising revelation while discussing his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden during an appearance on Canada’s The Morning Show, stating that studio decision-makers have already locked in their choice for 007.
While Amazon MGM Studios has consistently declined to validate the revolving door of rumored contenders, Oldman’s comments suggest an internal decision has been reached even if a public announcement is not yet imminent. The studio struck a deal with longtime franchise stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to take full control of the character and its IP in 2025.
Gary Oldman Backs Jack Lowden for 007
Oldman’s public endorsement of Lowden added a prominent voice to an already crowded rumor mill. The actor told viewers that he is keeping his fingers crossed for his Apple series co-star, noting that industry chatter has placed the 36-year-old actor on the production’s 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.”
Gary Oldman, Actor
Lowden, who also appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and the historical drama Mary Queen of Scots, stars alongside Oldman as MI5 agent River Cartwright opposite Oldman’s Jackson Lamb on Apple TV+’s Slow Horses since 2022. His wife, Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan, recently told Empire that she wants to go dark and play a Bond villain, stating she is dead serious about joining the franchise.
Amazon MGM Studios Weighs Casting Options for Bond 26
Wild rumors have swirled for years over who is set to step into the blood-splattered brogues of Daniel Craig, with the next film set to go into production next year. Over the course of the casting process, numerous high-profile names have been linked to the part, including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Harris Dickinson, with Variety writing that there had been interest in Louis Partridge and stage star Tom Francis having reportedly auditioned.
Photo: The Hollywood Reporter
Amazon MGM has repeatedly refused to discuss anything about who has or hasn’t been considered for the role. Meanwhile, the creative team behind the upcoming film is firmly established: Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the upcoming Bond film, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight penning the script.
Pierce Brosnan and Past Bond Stars Weigh In
As the studio maintains its silence, former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan offered a different perspective on the eventual reveal. Speaking with The Times, Brosnan stated that auditions for the role in the Denis Villeneuve film are already underway and have taken place over the summer, suggesting the studio could go left-field and pick someone none of us know about.
“There are lots of good hats in the ring. Lots of great actors. I see it. I follow it. They could probably just go left-field and pick someone that none of us know about.”
Gary Oldman Says the Next James Bond Has Been Selected
Pierce Brosnan, Former James Bond Actor
Brosnan began his tenure as the 007 agent in 1995 with GoldenEye, directed by Martin Campbell, and reprised his role in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, 1999’s The World Is Not Enough, and 2002’s Die Another Day. Former Bond girls have also offered their views on the franchise’s future. Alison Papworth, who appeared in For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy, starring Roger Moore as 007, told Fox News Digital that she hopes it is a man if they are true to the books, stating it would be very strange and a totally different thing if it were a woman.
