Scottish actor Jack Lowden is attracting renewed attention in the race to become the next James Bond. As reports point to final screen tests, fans are watching closely for news about the future of 007.
Jack Lowden is once again at the centre of James Bond casting speculation, with new reports suggesting that the search for the next 007 is approaching a crucial stage. The Scottish actor, best known internationally for playing River Cartwright in the spy drama Slow Horses, has reportedly emerged as one of the names being considered as producers work to find a successor to Daniel Craig.
On October 22, 2026, Deadline reported that final screen tests for the next James Bond could take place over the coming days, with Jack Lowden among the actors reportedly expected to participate. Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor were also named in reports surrounding the latest round of testing. However, the identities of everyone involved and the precise status of the process have not been officially confirmed. Read Deadline’s report.
The development has reignited interest in Jack Lowden James Bond rumours, which have continued to circulate among film fans and entertainment reporters. The prospect of a new actor taking over one of cinema’s most recognisable roles has made the casting process a major entertainment story.
Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish reported screen tests from an official casting announcement. Jack Lowden has not been publicly confirmed as the next James Bond, and neither his reported involvement nor his position among potential candidates establishes that he has secured the role.
For now, the Jack Lowden James Bond story remains one of anticipation, industry reporting and speculation about the direction of the long-running franchise.
Why Jack Lowden Is Being Linked to James Bond
Jack Lowden has several qualities that have made him a subject of discussion among fans considering who could portray the famous British secret agent.
His performance in Slow Horses is an obvious connection. In the Apple TV espionage series, Lowden plays River Cartwright, an ambitious intelligence officer working within a dysfunctional division of Britain’s intelligence service. The programme combines espionage, action, political intrigue and dark humour, giving Lowden experience with a genre that overlaps with elements of the Bond franchise.
However, the two characters are not interchangeable. Cartwright is a modern intelligence officer whose mistakes and personal weaknesses often drive the story, whereas James Bond has traditionally been portrayed as a highly capable field agent with distinctive skills, confidence and a complicated relationship with authority.
Even so, Jack Lowden’s work in Slow Horses has made it easier for audiences to imagine him in another high-profile spy role. Viewers already familiar with his performances have seen him handle tense confrontations, dangerous assignments and complicated relationships with colleagues.
His film credits also demonstrate a range beyond television espionage. Lowden has appeared in productions including Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots and Benediction. These projects have allowed him to explore historical drama, large-scale filmmaking and character-driven stories.
The potential appeal of Jack Lowden James Bond casting therefore rests on more than his resemblance to an established screen spy. Supporters may see an actor capable of bringing dramatic complexity to a character who must combine physical competence with intelligence and emotional restraint.
Whether the producers share that view remains unknown.
Final James Bond Screen Tests: What the Latest Reports Say
The latest development concerns the reported timing of screen tests for the next Bond film.
According to Deadline’s October 22 report, the final stage of testing could begin as soon as Friday and continue into the following week. Sources cited in industry coverage have linked Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor to the process, although the complete group has not been independently established through an official announcement.
The Hollywood Reporter has also reported that screen tests are taking place in the UK, with Lowden and Turner among the names being discussed. Reports suggest that the evaluations could examine different aspects of performance, including dialogue, camera presence and action-related work.
These details remain attributed to industry sources. Amazon MGM Studios has not publicly confirmed that Jack Lowden has reached a final shortlist or that he has passed any particular stage of testing.
A screen test is also not the same as a contract or a casting decision. Productions may assess several actors before making their final choice, and individuals mentioned in news reports may not necessarily be offered the role.
The latest news nevertheless gives Jack Lowden renewed prominence. A casting process that previously attracted years of predictions now appears, according to entertainment-industry reporting, to be moving towards a more focused stage.
Fans should be cautious about social media posts claiming that the decision is final or that an announcement is imminent. Until the filmmakers or studio identify the chosen actor, such claims should be treated as unverified.
Gary Oldman’s Comments Fuelled the ‘Jack Lowden’ James Bond Rumours
One of the biggest reasons the ‘Jack Lowden’ James Bond story gained momentum was the involvement of his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman.
In September, Oldman appeared to suggest that producers had already selected the next actor to play 007. He expressed hope that Lowden would receive the role, leading some headlines to interpret his remarks as a sign that the casting decision had been made.
The comments attracted widespread attention because Oldman works closely with Lowden and is an established figure in the entertainment industry.
Oldman later clarified his position, however. Speaking during the Toronto International Film Festival, he explained that he did not know who had been chosen. He had heard a rumour that a decision might have been made and was expressing his personal hope that his co-star would be selected.
As The Independent reported on September 14, Oldman emphasised that he did not have direct access to the Bond decision-makers.
The distinction is important. Oldman’s support shows that he believes Jack Lowden could be suitable for the role, but it does not establish that the actor has been cast.
Nevertheless, the endorsement added another dimension to the Jack Lowden James Bond discussion. It connected the rumours to someone who has seen Lowden perform at close range and who has worked with him on a successful espionage series.
For audiences, the prospect of the two actors bringing their professional chemistry into an entirely different franchise is intriguing. At present, however, that possibility remains hypothetical.
Saoirse Ronan Responds to the James Bond Speculation
The conversation around Jack Lowden has also attracted attention because of his marriage to Oscar-nominated actor Saoirse Ronan.
In an interview with the Associated Press published in early October, Ronan was asked about reports linking her husband to the next James Bond role. Her response suggested that the speculation was not dominating their daily lives.
Ronan explained that the couple were getting on with their routines and responsibilities rather than treating the casting rumours as a major subject at home. Her remarks offered a light-hearted contrast to the intense public interest surrounding the identity of the next 007.
According to PEOPLE’s report on October 7, Ronan acknowledged that Gary Oldman appeared to believe in Lowden’s chances, while making clear that the couple were concentrating on everyday life.
Her comments neither confirmed nor denied Jack Lowden’s participation in the casting process. They also did not indicate whether he had received an offer.
Ronan has previously expressed interest in appearing in a Bond film herself, suggesting that playing a villain could be an interesting acting challenge. That possibility has further fuelled entertainment coverage connecting the couple to the franchise, although there is no confirmed announcement of either actor joining the upcoming production.
For now, Ronan’s comments provide personal context rather than new evidence about the casting decision.
Who Else Could Become the Next James Bond?
Jack Lowden is not the only actor whose name has appeared in the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement.
Callum Turner has been among the prominent contenders discussed in entertainment coverage. His film and television work has made him a familiar name to audiences, and recent reports have continued to link him to the role.
Josh O’Connor has also emerged in the latest reports surrounding the screen-test process. Known for performances in productions such as The Crown and Challengers, O’Connor has developed a reputation for taking on varied and challenging roles.
Other actors have been associated with the race during earlier stages, including Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. However, reports differ over which names remain involved in the latest testing stage. Earlier speculation should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation that an actor is still being considered.
The competition illustrates how difficult it can be to predict a Bond casting decision from public information alone. An actor’s popularity, appearance, previous roles and position in betting markets may influence speculation, but none of these factors reveals the producers’ final preference.
For Jack Lowden, being discussed alongside established performers is evidence of growing public interest, not proof of a successful audition. The next stage of the process may clarify some questions, but the studio has not confirmed its decision.
What the Next James Bond Film Could Mean for Jack Lowden
The next Bond film represents a significant opportunity for whichever actor is ultimately chosen.
Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007 came in No Time to Die, released in 2021. His portrayal combined action with emotional vulnerability, and his departure has left the franchise facing the challenge of introducing a new interpretation of the character.
The next film is being developed under Amazon MGM Studios. Denis Villeneuve has been announced as director, while Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay. Producers face the challenge of respecting the franchise’s legacy while giving the character a distinct identity for a new era.
If Jack Lowden were selected, his experience playing River Cartwright could offer a useful foundation. His performance in Slow Horses has already required him to navigate complex intelligence operations and tense situations, although the style and scale of James Bond would be different.
The potential role could also significantly increase Lowden’s global profile. Bond films traditionally reach international audiences and can shape an actor’s career for years.
However, the franchise brings considerable expectations. Whoever replaces Craig will face comparisons with previous Bonds, from Sean Connery and Roger Moore to Pierce Brosnan and Craig himself.
That pressure would make the role both a major opportunity and a demanding commitment. Without confirmation of his casting, it is too early to speculate about how the part might affect Jack Lowden’s career or future projects.
Jack Lowden’s Next Major Project: Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice
While the James Bond rumours continue, Jack Lowden has another high-profile project on the horizon.
He is set to play Fitzwilliam Darcy in Netflix’s new six-part adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The streaming service has announced a December 3, 2026 premiere date, with Emma Corrin playing Elizabeth Bennet.
According to Netflix Tudum’s official announcement, the adaptation is written by Dolly Alderton and directed by Euros Lyn. The cast also includes Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell, Freya Mavor, Daryl McCormack and Louis Partridge.
The series follows the familiar story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as they navigate misunderstandings, family expectations, social status and romantic attraction. The relationship has been adapted for television and film many times, making every new interpretation a subject of interest for longtime readers and viewers.
For Jack Lowden, playing Darcy offers a role very different from his work in Slow Horses. Rather than portraying an intelligence officer in contemporary political intrigue, he will inhabit a character shaped by Regency-era manners, class expectations and restrained romantic tension.
The production also puts Lowden alongside a cast of widely recognised performers. Its December release provides audiences with a concrete upcoming project to anticipate regardless of what happens with the Bond casting.
The timing is notable because the combination of a major literary adaptation and the continuing Jack Lowden James Bond speculation is keeping the actor visible across different areas of entertainment news.
Netflix’s announcement is confirmed, unlike the Bond casting rumours. That distinction gives audiences something definite to look forward to while the studio’s decision about 007 remains unresolved.
Why Jack Lowden Is Trending in Entertainment News
The interest in Jack Lowden reflects several developments happening at once.
First, the next James Bond casting process is reportedly advancing towards final screen tests. Any credible new information about the actor who could replace Daniel Craig attracts global attention because the franchise has a large and dedicated audience.
Second, Gary Oldman’s support gave the speculation an unexpected boost. Although he corrected the impression that he knew the outcome, his public comments helped focus attention on Lowden.
Third, Saoirse Ronan’s response added a personal angle to the coverage. Her remarks showed how a major celebrity rumour can become a public topic even when those closest to the actor are not treating it as a defining issue.
Finally, Lowden’s forthcoming portrayal of Mr Darcy gives audiences another reason to follow his career. His move between historical drama, contemporary espionage and literary adaptation demonstrates the range of opportunities available to him.
For search audiences, Jack Lowden is therefore connected to several strong entertainment themes: James Bond casting, celebrity interviews, Slow Horses and Netflix’s upcoming Pride and Prejudice.
The central question remains whether he will take on the role of 007. Until an official statement is issued, the most accurate reporting describes Jack Lowden as an actor linked to the casting process rather than the confirmed next James Bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Jack Lowden been confirmed as the next James Bond?
No. As of October 22, 2026, Jack Lowden has not been officially announced as Daniel Craig’s successor. Recent reports have linked him to the final screen-test stage, but the studio has not confirmed the casting decision.
Is Jack Lowden taking part in James Bond screen tests?
Reports published on October 22 name Jack Lowden among the actors expected to be involved in the latest round of screen tests. The full list of participants and the final outcome have not been officially confirmed.
What did Gary Oldman say about Jack Lowden?
Gary Oldman expressed hope that his Slow Horses co-star would become James Bond. He later clarified that he did not know who had been selected and was not speaking with inside knowledge of the studio’s decision.
What did Saoirse Ronan say about the rumours?
Saoirse Ronan said the speculation was not a major topic in the couple’s household and that they were focused on everyday life. Her remarks did not confirm whether Jack Lowden had received an offer for the role.
What is Jack Lowden’s next confirmed project?
Jack Lowden will play Mr Darcy in Netflix’s six-part adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which is scheduled to premiere on December 3, 2026.
Conclusion
Jack Lowden has become one of the most closely watched names in the search for the next James Bond. Recent reports about final screen tests have renewed interest in his potential involvement, while Gary Oldman’s endorsement and Saoirse Ronan’s comments have added to the public discussion.
However, reports of screen tests should not be mistaken for confirmation that an actor has won the role. Until Amazon MGM Studios makes an official announcement, Jack Lowden remains a reported contender rather than the new 007.
Regardless of the outcome, Lowden’s work in Slow Horses and his upcoming appearance as Mr Darcy in Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice ensure that he has other important projects on the horizon. For entertainment fans, the next few weeks could bring further developments in one of the most closely followed casting stories in film.