Jack Lowden breaks silence on flattering James Bond casting rumors as frontrunner avoids confirming role

Lowden addresses Bond speculation

Lowden spoke about the casting rumors in an interview with British GQ published Monday. The outlet said he appeared visibly unsettled when asked about the movie, which Denis Villeneuve is directing.

He said the attention was “all very flattering,” and added that he did not plan to contribute to the speculation. Lowden also responded to comments from his “Slow Horses” co-star Gary Oldman, who said he hoped Lowden would get the part.

Several actors reportedly considered

The Hollywood Reporter said in October that Lowden and Callum Turner, both 36, were among the finalists. The outlet reported that they were expected to take part in a final screen test before a decision.

Deadline reported that two other actors received offers to test, including “The Crown” actor Josh O’Connor, also 36. The fourth person’s identity was not disclosed.

A new era after Daniel Craig

An insider told Variety in April that the next Bond would be younger than actors who had played the spy before. The new actor will succeed Daniel Craig, whose five-film run began with “Casino Royale” in 2006 and ended with “No Time to Die” in 2021.

Sean Connery was the first Bond in the 1962 film “Dr. No,” and played the character for 21 years. George Lazenby, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan also portrayed the secret agent.

Villeneuve, who directed “Dune,” is leading the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film. Steven Knight, the “Peaky Blinders” scriptwriter, is also working on the movie.