Jack Lowden is keeping his response to James Bond casting speculation brief, acknowledging the attention without confirming whether he has tested for the role. In an interview published by British GQ on November 2, the Scottish actor responded to reports placing him among a small group of potential candidates to play Ian Fleming’s spy.
The Hollywood Reporter has identified Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor as actors under consideration for the next Bond. Lowden described the interest as flattering but declined to elaborate, telling GQ: “I’m just not really going to add to the noise.” He also indicated that he pays little attention to the speculation.
Some of that attention followed comments by his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman during a September appearance on Canada’s The Morning Show. Oldman said a casting decision had been made but remained unannounced, and expressed hope that Lowden had secured the part. The Hollywood Reporter subsequently heard from a source that no actor had been selected at that point. Lowden welcomed Oldman’s support and said it was especially meaningful coming from him.
In the week before the GQ interview appeared, The Hollywood Reporter received information that screen tests were scheduled for late October in London. The Amazon MGM Studios film is being directed by Denis Villeneuve, whose work includes Dune, with a screenplay by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Reports of the planned tests did not establish who would ultimately take over from Daniel Craig.
Other names linked to the search have been disputed. Although Sinners actor Jack O’Connell was initially rumored to be involved, sources told The Hollywood Reporter that he was not in contention. The outlet also reported that Jacob Elordi, known for Euphoria and Frankenstein, would not be testing, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
GQ highlighted another connection between Lowden and the casting process: Nina Gold, who cast him as River Cartwright in Slow Horses, is overseeing the search for Craig’s replacement. Cartwright became Lowden’s breakout role and brought him an Emmy nomination.
Lowden’s wife, Irish Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, has similarly offered little encouragement to the speculation. Speaking to the Associated Press in October, she said the subject was not a regular topic at home, where everyday responsibilities, including walking the dog and preparing dinner, occupied their attention.
The GQ interview centered on Lowden’s role as Mr. Darcy in Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice. He expressed surprise at being among writer Dolly Alderton’s leading choices to portray Jane Austen’s romantic hero, explaining that he enjoys being cast in parts for which he does not necessarily see himself as an obvious choice.
