Nicolai Haugsted
The Oscar-winning actor reveals that the actor who will play the British spy has been found.
The search for the next James Bond has evolved into one of the film industry’s most talked-about casting processes.
Since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and pistol after No Time to Die in 2021, speculation has been rampant. Several of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors have been mentioned as possible replacements, but producers have so far kept their cards close to their chest.
Now, however, one of Britain’s most respected actors claims that the decision has already been made.
According to Variety, Oscar winner Gary Oldman states that the film company has found the man to take over the role of Agent 007.
The public is reportedly just waiting for the name.
Gary Oldman Makes Sensational Revelation
During an interview with the Canadian TV program The Morning Show, Gary Oldman discussed the upcoming James Bond film and the big question of who will play the lead role.
The 68-year-old actor stated that he believes the film’s producers have already chosen Daniel Craig’s successor.
Oldman also expressed his hope that the role has gone to his colleague Jack Lowden, with whom he co-stars in the popular spy series Slow Horses.
“There have been rumors that he’s on the list of candidates. We’ll find out soon, won’t we? Because they’ve chosen him. They’ve made their decision, but they haven’t announced it yet. So I’m crossing my fingers for Jack,” Oldman said.
The announcement has naturally caused a stir, as the identity of the next James Bond remains one of the film industry’s best-kept secrets.
Oldman did not reveal the source of his information or whether he has any direct connection to the production.
Therefore, his statement is not yet an official confirmation that the role has been filled.
Several Big Names Vie for the Role
Jack Lowden is far from the only actor who has been linked to the iconic role.
Among the names that have reportedly been in contention are Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Harris Dickinson.
Young actor Louis Partridge has also reportedly attracted interest, while theater actor Tom Francis is said to have auditioned, according to previous information.
Speculation has been ongoing for several years, and several candidates have been named as favorites along the way.
Nevertheless, Amazon MGM, which is behind the upcoming film, has consistently refused to comment on which actors have been considered.
The film company has also not confirmed Oldman’s claim that the choice has already been made.
With production scheduled to begin next year, however, fans may soon get a definitive answer.
Hollywood Director to Reinvent Agent 007
While the lead actor’s identity remains secret, several other key names have already been confirmed.
Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, known for films such as Dune and Dune: Part Two, will direct the next film about the British secret agent.
The screenplay is being written by Steven Knight, best known for creating the popular gangster series Peaky Blinders.
The combination of Villeneuve’s visual filmmaking and Knight’s experience with gritty characters has generated significant interest in the direction the traditional film series will take.
The upcoming production will also be the first James Bond film with a new lead actor following Daniel Craig’s departure.
Craig played the British agent in five films, from Casino Royale in 2006 to No Time to Die in 2021.
His interpretation gave the character a rawer and more vulnerable expression, making the question of his successor particularly interesting.
Jack Lowden’s Wife Also Wants to Be Involved
Should Gary Oldman’s wish come true, the next James Bond film might feature another interesting name on the cast list.
Jack Lowden’s wife, Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan, has already made it clear that she would very much like to be part of the upcoming film adventure.
However, she has no plans to play the classic Bond girl.
On the contrary, Ronan dreams of taking on the role of a villain.
In an interview with film magazine Empire, she recently stated that she is serious about it.
“I’m deadly serious,” she said about her desire.
Ronan also explained why such a role appeals to her.
“I think it would be really interesting to have a young female villain. Especially for girls and women, it would be exciting to see someone who can take all that pent-up rage and direct it towards something. There’s something dramatically interesting about that. So I would love to do more of that kind of thing,” she explained.
The actress has previously demonstrated her talent for both intense dramas and physically demanding roles, but a proper Bond villain would be a new chapter in her career.
For now, however, her ambition is merely a wish, and no information has been released about her being in negotiations for a role.
