Actor Gary Oldman claimed the next James Bond has been cast, backing co-star Jack Lowden as the likely successor to Daniel Craig, though Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed the decision.
Actor Gary Oldman has stirred speculation about the next James Bond, asserting in multiple interviews that the role has already been decided and that his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden is the frontrunner. They have picked him,
Oldman told Canada’s The Morning Show, adding, They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.
The statement, echoed across multiple outlets including Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and The Independent, has intensified rumors about the franchise’s next iteration.
Oldman’s remarks, made during interviews with Global News and The Morning Show, positioned Lowden as a “safe bet” for the role. We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we?
he said, suggesting the decision was imminent. However, Amazon MGM Studios, which took control of the Bond franchise in February 2025, has not publicly commented on the casting. A spokesperson for the studio declined to confirm or deny the reports, leaving the status of the announcement unclear.
Gary Oldman Says James Bond Has Been Cast, Hopes
The actor’s assertions align with ongoing speculation about the film’s direction. Denis Villeneuve, the director of the upcoming Bond film, and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have been involved in the selection process. Deadline reported that auditions were underway in August, with Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner, and Jacob Elordi also in contention. Yet Oldman’s comments have shifted focus toward Lowden, who previously starred in Rogue Trooper and is set to appear in Pride and Prejudice and Berlin Noir.
Other contenders and studio dynamics remain in play. The Independent highlighted Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson as potential candidates, with casting director Debbie McWilliams emphasizing the need for “total enigma” in the role. We don’t need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are,
she said, underscoring the franchise’s traditional emphasis on mystery. Amazon MGM Studios’ decision to take over the Bond IP from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in February 2025 has introduced new dynamics. The studio’s creative team, including Villeneuve, is reportedly seeking a different approach while maintaining continuity with Craig’s tenure. Far Out Magazine noted that the casting process could be delayed until after Villeneuve’s next film, Dune: Part Three, releases in cinemas on December 19th.
The central question lingering is whether Lowden’s name is a genuine lead or a rumor amplified by Oldman’s influence. AOL reported that Richard Osman, a podcaster, claimed to have heard Lowden’s name as the “new Bond,” but no official confirmation exists. Meanwhile, Lowden himself has not addressed the speculation, and Amazon MGM Studios has remained silent.
Gary Oldman Claims James Bond Has Been Cast As
Oldman’s comments also raise broader questions about the franchise’s future. With Daniel Craig’s tenure ending in 2021, the next Bond must balance legacy and innovation. As Hollywood Reporter noted, the casting sweepstakes often yield false leads, with 99 percent of rumors proving unfounded. Yet Oldman’s credibility—coupled with the studio’s recent moves—has lent weight to the speculation, leaving fans awaiting a definitive announcement.
Oldman, who stars alongside Lowden in Slow Horses, publicly expressed his support for the Scottish actor. It’s been rumored that he’s on the shortlist,
Oldman said during an interview with Global News, adding, 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.
The statement, shared widely on social media, included a tweet from @JamesBondBR on September 6, 2026, which translated Oldman’s remarks as Será que o Gary Oldam revelou sem querer que Jack Lowden vai ser o novo James Bond?
(Could Gary Oldman have inadvertently revealed that Jack Lowden will be the new James Bond?).
Amazon MGM Studios’ transition to managing the Bond franchise in February 2025 marked a significant shift. 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. Steven Knight is penning the script for the upcoming Bond film. The studio’s involvement has brought new creative vision, with Villeneuve’s direction and Knight’s script reportedly aiming to modernize the series while honoring its roots.
Gary Oldman claims James Bond is now cast
Lowden’s potential casting has also drawn attention to his recent projects. The actor, known for his role in Slow Horses, has been linked to Rogue Trooper, released this year, and is set to appear in Pride and Prejudice and Berlin Noir. His versatility, showcased in roles like the titular character in Rogue Trooper, has positioned him as a strong candidate. However, industry insiders suggest that the final decision may hinge on factors beyond talent, including marketability and studio politics.
The lack of official confirmation has led to mixed reactions. While some fans have rallied behind Lowden, others remain skeptical, citing the franchise’s history of unexpected choices. Deadline noted that past Bond actors like Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan were not widely publicized before their casting. This pattern suggests that Amazon MGM Studios may be following a similar strategy, keeping the selection process under wraps until the announcement.
As the speculation continues, the industry awaits further developments. With Villeneuve’s involvement and the studio’s creative vision, the next Bond film is expected to debut in 2027, following a production schedule that includes pre-production phases and location scouting. The final casting decision, however, remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving fans to speculate until the studio chooses to reveal its choice.
