The race to crown the next James Bond is heating up, and the rumor mill is working overtime. With a shortlist of six actors reportedly in the running, speculation has reached a fever pitch. But when Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman recently hinted that the decision had already been made, it sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. Now, he's setting the record straight.
During an interview with Canadian broadcaster Global, Oldman, who stars in the hit Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, seemed to suggest that the next 007 had been chosen. He mentioned his co-star Jack Lowden as a contender and said, "They have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet." This sparked a frenzy of headlines, with many interpreting his words as confirmation that Lowden had landed the role.
But at a Visionaries session at the Toronto International Film Festival, hosted by Josh Horowitz, Oldman clarified his statement. He explained that he had only heard a rumor that the Bond team had made their decision, not that he knew who it was. "There's six people on a shortlist," he said. "I heard a rumor that they've picked James Bond, but they haven't announced it yet, which is their prerogative. So I do not know [who has got the part], but I'm hoping it's Jack."
Oldman also joked about the attention his comments received, noting that if he did have some secret line to the Bond producers, he'd guard that information with his life. He even recalled a past incident where he got "in a lot of trouble" for accidentally revealing that Christopher Nolan was making a third Dark Knight film.
The shortlist, which includes Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson, has been the subject of intense speculation. Barton is reportedly the favorite after a global search for fresh talent. Screen tests were expected to take place this month, with a final decision anticipated by the end of the year.
Amazon MGM is looking for a younger actor to take on the iconic role, following in Daniel Craig's footsteps and potentially starring in three or four films. The next Bond film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is still shrouded in mystery, but it's moving closer to reality. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight recently confirmed that the script is complete, setting the stage for the next chapter of Ian Fleming's legendary spy.
For fans of Slow Horses, Oldman's comments are just another reason to keep an eye on the series, which continues to impress. And while the Bond casting news is exciting, there's also plenty of buzz around who might sing the next theme song. As the wait for an official announcement continues, one thing is certain: the speculation isn't going to die down anytime soon.
