Slow Horses star Jack Lowden has described speculation that he could become the next James Bond as “flattering”, but has declined to confirm or deny whether he is in contention for the role….
Slow Horses star Jack Lowden has described speculation that he could become the next James Bond as “flattering”, but has declined to confirm or deny whether he is in contention for the role.
The 36-year-old Scottish actor, who plays River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ series, has reportedly been among the names considered to replace Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy, alongside actors Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor.
Speaking to GQ Hype, Lowden said he was pleased to be linked with the role but would not add to the speculation.
“On this… it’s all very flattering,” he said.
“It’s nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I’m just not really going to add to the noise.”
His Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman recently fuelled the speculation by suggesting that producers had already chosen the next Bond, while expressing hope that Lowden would get the part.
Speaking to Canada’s Global, Oldman said he understood that Lowden was on the shortlist and believed a decision had been made, although it had not been publicly announced.
However, Oldman later clarified his comments at the Toronto International Film Festival, explaining that he had only heard a rumour that producers had selected someone from a shortlist. He said he did not know who had been chosen but was hoping it was Lowden.
Responding to Oldman’s support, Lowden described him as “a sweetheart” and said the comments were particularly pleasing coming from someone he admired.
“But I don’t really listen to it,” he added.
The actor also observed that speculation about Bond often follows male actors once they take on roles that involve wearing a suit.
“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.
Lowden is known for his performances in Slow Horses, Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots and War and Peace. He has won two BAFTA awards and a Laurence Olivier Award, and received nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
He is next set to star alongside Emma Corrin in an adaptation of Dolly Alderton’s Pride and Prejudice.
The next James Bond film is in development, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce, while Dune director Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct.
Producer Amy Pascal has previously described an announcement on the next Bond casting by the end of the year as a “good bet”, while acknowledging that Daniel Craig would be a “hard act to follow”.
