According to Deadline, Gary Oldman has clarified his recent remarks regarding the next actor to play James Bond, stating during a TIFF Visionaries session that he does not actually know who has secured the iconic role. The clarification follows widespread media speculation triggered by an earlier interview with Canada’s Global, where Oldman claimed a choice had been made while backing his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden.
Gary Oldman Walks Back 007 Casting Rumors at TIFF
The global speculation began when Oldman discussed the 007 franchise while promoting his spy series. According to Deadline’s reporting of the initial Global interview, Oldman stated: “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.”
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Many readers interpreted the remarks as a direct confirmation that Lowden had beaten out competition for the role. However, speaking to host Josh Horowitz at TIFF, Oldman insisted the press pushed his words to the edge of a misquote. “A Canadian journalist asked me about Bond and Jack Lowden. I didn’t bring it up, she brought it up, I didn’t volunteer this,” Oldman said, according to Deadline. He reaffirmed that while he remains “fingers crossed for my man Jack,” he lacks official knowledge of the casting decision.
Avoiding Past Mistakes With Franchise Spoilers
Oldman explained his hurried retreat from the rumors by recalling a previous career mishap. According to Deadline, the Oscar winner was previously “reprimanded” for prematurely leaking that Christopher Nolan was moving forward with a third Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. To avoid landing in similar trouble with Amazon MGM Studios, Oldman joked about possessing a “red phone” to the franchise producers but firmly maintained his ignorance.
“I heard a rumor that they’ve picked James Bond, but they haven’t announced it yet, which is their prerogative,” Oldman told Horowitz at the TIFF session, as reported by Deadline. “So I do not know [who has got the part], but I’m hoping it’s Jack.”
Current Status of the James Bond Casting Process
Amazon MGM Studios has not publicly announced a successor to Daniel Craig. Deadline reported over the summer that formal auditions for the role took place in August, with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman alongside director Denis Villeneuve informing shortlisted talent. Previous industry reporting from Deadline indicated that actors including Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner, and Jacob Elordi aligned with the studio’s vision for the character.
Despite Oldman’s attempt to quash the rumor mill, betting odds regarding Lowden taking over the secret agent mantle shifted following the initial remarks. Whether Lowden ultimately joins the franchise alongside Oldman remains unconfirmed by studio executives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Gary Oldman confirm Jack Lowden as the next James Bond?
No. According to Deadline, Gary Oldman clarified at a TIFF session that he does not know the identity of the next 007 and was merely expressing hope that his Slow Horses co-star gets the part.
What did Oldman originally say about the 007 casting?
In an interview with Canada’s Global reported by Deadline, Oldman stated that a choice had been made by the studio regarding the next Bond, adding that he had his fingers crossed for Lowden.
Who is handling the next James Bond film?
Amazon MGM Studios oversees the franchise, with auditions managed by producers such as Amy Pascal and David Heyman.
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