Richard Osman has revealed on his podcast that British actor Jack Lowden is reportedly being 'strongly considered' for the role of James Bond, adding a new name to the already crowded list of rumoured frontrunners. The Pointless star, 55, shared the claim on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, which he co-hosts with Marine Hyde.
Osman told listeners: 'Someone told me for definite who the new Bond is the other day, but I mean that’s happened before. The name I’ve heard is Jack Lowden.' He added: 'It is definitively not a “he’s definitely got it” thing. He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he’d be amazing.' Hyde, who co-hosts the podcast, also voiced her support, saying: 'I think Jack Lowden would be an incredible Bond. He’s got real Daniel Craig energy.'
Who is Jack Lowden?
Lowden, 36, is best known for his role as River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses. Later this year, he is set to appear as Mr Darcy in Netflix’s new adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. The actor also starred in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, which Hyde referenced when praising his suitability for the part.
Osman’s claim comes amid ongoing speculation about who will replace Daniel Craig, who left the franchise after 2021’s No Time to Die. The search for the next 007 has been ongoing for five years, with names like Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi frequently mentioned in the press.
Producer offers timeline hint
Producer Amy Pascal, known for her work on the Spider-Man films, recently shared some clues about the casting process. Speaking to Deadline, she said: 'I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical.' She also described the challenge of following Craig, saying: 'Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio – I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is a stirring and exciting and different.'
Last year, it was announced that the next Bond film will be directed by Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival. The script will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The franchise is now under the creative control of Amazon MGM Studios.
Other rumoured contenders
Other actors rumoured to be in the running include Harris Dickinson and Callum Turner, who has remained tight-lipped about the possibility. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Turner, 36, said: 'I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do.' When asked if he was interested in the role, he 'laughed and looked down at his sneakers', according to the publication. He added: 'I am not going to comment on that.'
Turner also shared his amusement at the speculation: 'I will tell you what’s so funny about the Bond thing: Even your best friends ask you, people text you that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years – and you know nothing! It is such a weird thing of something happening and nothing happening at all. I genuinely know nothing. I just find it quite amusing.'
Latest Bond odds
According to Betfred, the latest odds for the next James Bond are: Callum Turner at 11/10, Henry Cavill at 3/1, Jack Lowden at 5/1, Harris Dickinson at 6/1, Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 9/1, Louis Partridge at 10/1, Tom Holland at 10/1, James Norton at 14/1, Theo James at 16/1, Damson Idris at 20/1, Jacob Elordi at 20/1, Leo Suter at 20/1, Leo Woodall at 20/1, and Nicholas Galitzine at 20/1.
Metro has contacted representatives for Jack Lowden and Amazon for comment. As of now, no official announcement has been made, but the end-of-year timeline suggested by Pascal could bring clarity to the long-running speculation.
