Gary Oldman Hints Who Might Take Over as James Bond

Fans have been tossing around names like it’s a game of musical chairs, trying to guess who will slip into the sleek tuxedo after Daniel Craig’s final bow in 2021. In the middle of all that speculation, Oscar‑winner Gary Oldman dropped a tantalizing hint that the decision may already be sealed.

Speaking to Canada Global’s The Morning Show, the 68‑year‑old actor chuckled, “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.”

Oldman’s “Jack” is none other than fellow Slow Horses star Jack Lowden, the 36‑year‑old Brit who’s been sharing screen time with Oldman since the Apple TV+ spy drama launched in 2022. Both actors are currently up for Emmys at the 78th Primetime Awards, so the timing of the comment feels almost cinematic.

Since Craig announced his retirement, the Bond franchise has been anything but quiet. Auditions kicked off this summer, spawning a flood of rumors that ranged from Tom Francis to Paul Mescal, and from Jacob Elordi to Aaron Taylor‑Johnson. Yet, amidst the chatter, Lowden’s name keeps resurfacing – not just in fan forums but in the ears of industry insiders.

Adding a layer of credibility, the new Bond film will be helmed by Denis Villeneuve, the director who gave us the recent Dune epics, while writer Steven Knight – the mind behind Peaky Blinders – is penciling the script. According to producer Amy Pascal, who’s overseen several recent Bond outings, the casting process has been “really, really methodical,” suggesting that whoever lands the role will have been scrutinized from every angle.

Long‑time franchise custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are stepping back after striking a deal with Amazon MGM Studios, meaning the new Bond will be the first to emerge under a slightly different creative regime. That shift could open the door for a fresh, perhaps unconventional take on the legendary spy.

While nothing is official yet, the buzz is growing louder. British TV host Richard Osman even confessed on a podcast that he’s heard a reliable source name Lowden as the frontrunner, though he cautioned that “it’s not a ‘he’s definitely got it’ thing.” Still, the idea of Lowden – known for his steady, nuanced performances in films like Dunkirk – stepping into the shoes of 007 is sparking a fair amount of excitement.

For now, we’ll have to wait until the end of the year, when the studios have promised to make the announcement. Until then, Gary Oldman’s subtle endorsement adds another piece to the ever‑growing puzzle, and fans will keep crossing their fingers – just like Oldman did – in hopeful anticipation.