Gary Oldman has publicly stated that the next actor to play James Bond has already been chosen by studio executives, though an official announcement from Amazon MGM Studios remains pending. Speaking to Canada’s Global and The Morning Show, as reported by The Independent, Oldman threw his support behind his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden, revealing that his fingers are crossed for the Scottish actor to step into the iconic 007 role following Daniel Craig’s departure.
Gary Oldman Points to an Undisclosed Casting Decision
According to interviews given during the promotional run for his television series, Gary Oldman claimed that franchise decision-makers have already locked in their choice for the next secret agent. While speaking to the press, the actor noted that Lowden has been frequently mentioned on industry shortlists. “We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him,” Oldman told Canada’s Global. “They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.” Amazon MGM Studios has not yet confirmed Oldman’s remarks.
The 007 Casting Timeline and Shortlist Frontrunners
The search to replace Daniel Craig, whose five-film tenure concluded with 2021’s No Time to Die, has involved extensive audition processes. Deadline reported over the summer that auditions took place in August, with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman alongside director Denis Villeneuve informing shortlisted talent. Villeneuve has officially signed on to direct the forthcoming film in the franchise. Alongside Jack Lowden, who has recently emerged as a favorite among bookmakers, other actors previously linked to the role on industry shortlists include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson.
https://x.com/JamesBondBR/status/2096681079881044294
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on official announcements from Amazon MGM Studios, as franchise producers typically use coordinated press rollouts to reveal new lead casting decisions rather than confirming reports through secondary actors.
Industry Perspectives on the Next Secret Agent
The secretive nature of the franchise has drawn commentary from veterans of previous films. Speaking to The Independent in June, veteran casting director Debbie McWilliams—who helped select Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig—emphasized the importance of anonymity for whoever takes the role. “We want to know as little about them personally as possible, because that’s what spies are,” McWilliams said. Meanwhile, Rory Kinnear, who played Bill Tanner across four films in the Craig era, told The Times that he expects the upcoming reboot to maintain a degree of narrative continuity while introducing a fresh approach.
Did you know? Jack Lowden stars alongside Gary Oldman in the spy thriller series Slow Horses, a project that has frequently placed both actors in conversations surrounding British espionage dramas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Amazon MGM Studios officially announced the next James Bond?
No. While actor Gary Oldman claimed in an interview that producers have made their choice, Amazon MGM Studios has not yet issued an official casting announcement.
Who is directing the next James Bond film?
Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct the upcoming installment in the 007 franchise.
Who are the producers leading the casting process?
The casting decisions are being handled by producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, alongside director Denis Villeneuve.
What was the last James Bond film released?
The last film in the franchise was 2021’s No Time to Die, which marked Daniel Craig’s final appearance as the character.
What do you think of Gary Oldman’s comments? Do you want to see Jack Lowden take on the role of 007? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for more entertainment updates.
Keep reading