The search for the next James Bond may be closer to a conclusion than fans expected. Gary Oldman has said that Amazon MGM Studios has already made its choice for the actor who will succeed Daniel Craig as 007, although the studio has yet to announce the name. Speaking about his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden, Oldman suggested that the decision has already been made, adding, “fingers are crossed for Jack,” putting fresh attention on one of the names linked to the role.
Oldman’s comments came during an interview with Canada’s The Morning Show, where he was asked about Lowden’s chances of becoming Bond. Oldman acknowledged that Lowden had been reported as being on the shortlist before saying, “They have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.” While the wording leaves some room for interpretation, the comments clearly suggest that Oldman believes the casting decision has already been made.
The connection between the two actors makes the comments particularly interesting. Oldman and Lowden work together on Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, with Oldman playing Jackson Lamb, a sharp and unconventional MI5 boss, and Lowden portraying River Cartwright, a younger intelligence officer. Lowden’s experience playing a British intelligence agent has naturally made his reported connection to Bond an appealing talking point.
Still, Lowden has not officially been confirmed as the next James Bond. Amazon MGM Studios has not announced the actor, meaning Oldman’s remarks should be treated as a strong hint rather than confirmation. Other actors reported as contenders have included Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson, while several other names have also circulated during the casting process.
The next Bond film already has an important creative team in place. Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune, is directing the movie, while Steven Knight is writing the screenplay. Their involvement gives the new film a clear creative direction even as the identity of its lead remains officially unknown.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the film, adding major franchise experience to the project. Amazon MGM Studios announced in 2025 that Pascal and Heyman would produce, followed by the confirmation of Villeneuve as director and Knight as screenwriter. The project represents a new stage for Bond after Amazon MGM Studios gained creative control of the franchise through its arrangement with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Daniel Craig’s final Bond film, No Time to Die, arrived in 2021 and concluded his five-film run as the character. Since then, the question of who will inherit the role has remained one of cinema’s biggest casting stories. Amazon MGM Studios said in May 2026 that “the search for the next James Bond is underway,” while stressing that it would not comment on specific casting details during the process.
That position makes Oldman’s latest comments particularly notable. Producer Amy Pascal has also indicated that the new Bond could be announced before the end of 2026, suggesting that the wait may not continue much longer. For now, however, the official answer remains behind closed doors.
The timing also matters because the new film is being developed as the first major Bond chapter under Amazon MGM’s creative leadership, making the casting decision particularly important for the future direction of the franchise.
Oldman’s comments have given Lowden’s Bond chances another boost, but the most important detail is still what has not been announced. Until Amazon MGM Studios officially names its next 007, Lowden remains a reported contender rather than a confirmed Bond. The next announcement will finally reveal whether the actor stepping into the iconic role is the one Oldman hopes to see.