The James Bond casting rumor mill is churning again, with names like Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner tossed into the ring. But while the world debates who should next slip into 007's tuxedo, one actor has been quietly delivering a masterclass in espionage on Apple TV+. Jack Lowden, star of the acclaimed spy thriller Slow Horses, has proven he doesn't need a license to kill to be the most compelling spy on screen.
Since 2022, Lowden has embodied River Cartwright, a promising MI5 agent whose career takes a nosedive after a botched training exercise. Relegated to Slough House—a dumping ground for disgraced agents nicknamed the 'Slow Horses'—River finds himself mired in paperwork and menial tasks. Yet each season, he and his fellow misfits stumble into high-stakes national security crises, proving that even the most overlooked operatives can save the day.
What makes River so captivating is his authenticity. Unlike Bond's polished, unflappable demeanor, River is a walking disaster—prone to humiliating chases, awkward social interactions, and a persistent streak of bad luck. He's the kind of hero who earns his victories through sheer persistence rather than suave sophistication. Lowden balances this with a deadpan wit and a palpable sense of frustration, making River both relatable and endlessly watchable.
His personal life is equally messy. River's grandfather, former MI5 chief David Cartwright (Jonathan Pryce), is succumbing to Alzheimer's, and Season 4 dropped a bombshell about River's biological father. His romantic endeavors are a series of near-misses and cringe-worthy moments, from a lost connection with fellow agent Sid Baker (Olivia Cooke) to an ill-advised kiss with his colleague Louisa Guy (Rosalind Eleazar) in Season 5. These flaws make River a fully realized character—someone you root for despite—or perhaps because of—his imperfections.
Lowden's performance has earned him two Emmy nominations, and it's easy to see why. He brings a physicality to the role, whether sprinting through London streets or engaging in tense standoffs, all while maintaining that signature blend of charm and exasperation. It's a far cry from the glamorous world of Bond, but it's a far more grounded and compelling take on the spy genre.
Of course, Lowden would likely excel as 007—he's proven he can handle action and intrigue with ease. But Slow Horses has given him a role that feels tailor-made for his talents. As the series gears up for its sixth season, premiering September 16 on Apple TV+, Lowden continues to show that he's already the spy we need, even if he never dons that famous tuxedo. He's also set to star as Mr. Darcy in Netflix's upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation, further cementing his versatility.
In a landscape where Bond speculation dominates headlines, Lowden's work on Slow Horses stands as a testament to the power of character-driven storytelling. He doesn't need a martini or a gadget-laden Aston Martin to captivate audiences—he just needs a flawed, human role that lets his talent shine. And for fans of smart, gritty spy thrillers, that's more than enough.
