Gary Oldman may have just added a major twist to the James Bond casting mystery. The Oscar winner claims the studio has already chosen Daniel Craig’s successor, while expressing his hope that the decision favors his “Slow Horses” co-star Jack Lowden.
During an interview with Canada’s “The Morning Show,” the “Harry Potter” and “Darkest Hour” star appeared to suggest that the casting process had reached its conclusion.
“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,” Oldman said.
He then went on to rally behind Lowden, who he said “is on the shortlist,” although the Oscar winner stopped short of confirming anything.
“My fingers are crossed for Jack,” he quipped.
Oldman and Lowden have worked together on Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses,” where Oldman plays disgruntled MI5 officer Jackson Lamb and Lowden portrays agent River Cartwright. Lowden has emerged as a reported Bond contender as Amazon MGM takes control of the franchise’s creative direction. Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the next film, with “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay.
The identity of the next 007 remains officially under wraps. Amazon MGM has declined to confirm the casting, despite reports that auditions took place in August. Oldman’s comments have therefore added intrigue to a process that has generated plenty of speculation since Craig’s final appearance in “No Time to Die.”
Lowden is among the names reported to be in contention, alongside Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Harris Dickinson. Variety has also reported interest in Louis Partridge, while stage actor Tom Francis was reportedly among those who auditioned.