Gary Oldman is stirring the pot on the James Bond front, and it's sending the speculation surrounding the identity of the next James Bond into a frenzy.
While doing press for the new season of Slow Horses, the legendary actor dropped a massive hint about the next James Bond, claiming that Amazon and it's team of producers have already secretly cast Daniel Craig’s successor.
Goldman was specifically asked about the chances of his co-star Jack Lowden and stated [via Deadline], "It’s been rumored that he’s on the 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."
Richard Osman jump-started the Jack Lowden bandwagon back in August when he let slip that insider chatter pointed straight at Lowden taking over Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Osman's claim came just a month after producer Amy Pascal hinted during the Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour that we'd have an official reveal before the end of the year. As we approach the fall, time is running out.
Pascal and David Heyman are steering the reboot for Amazon MGM following the end of the Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson era.
With Denis Villeneuve (Dune) directing and a 2027 shoot in mind, the studio is hunting for a younger star (20s–30s) to anchor the franchise long-term.
For reference, Daniel Craig was 37 when he began his run as James Bond in Casino Royale (2005) and 53 when No Time To Die was released in 2021, so that should give a clear-cut example of what the studio is hoping to recreate with the next Bond actor.
In addition to Lowden, names like Jacob Elordi (Saltburn, Euphoria), Callum Turner (Eternity, One Night Only), and Harris Dickinson (Baby Girl, The Iron Claw), are currently buzzing near the top of the list.
In addition to Villeneuve's role as director, Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Locke) previously wrote a draft of the script.
However, it's expected that once Villeneuve wraps up his filming and promotional obligations on the third Dune film, he'll put all of his focus on Bond and will likely put his own creative stamp on the script.
Previously, Villeneuve stated, "I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan.To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor."