September 10, 2026, 11:44 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Gary Oldman injects new energy into the speculation about the next James Bond. The Oscar winner not only claims that the decision regarding the replacement has already been made, but he also makes no secret of whom he wishes to see as the new 007: his “Slow Horses” colleague Jack Lowden.
At the end of August, speculation about the next Bond was sparked by a report from the industry platform “Knight Edge Media.” According to the report, Amazon MGM Studios has narrowed the selection down to three actors. Callum Turner and Jack O’Connell were named. The identity of the third candidate, however, remains a secret. It is likely, though, that this person was also in the running in an earlier round. Among others, they could be:
- Jack Barton
- Jacob Elordi
- Paul Mescal
- Jack Lowden
- Harris Dickinson
Who Will Be the New Bond, James Bond?
Callum Turner is known from the “Fantastic Beasts” films and the series “Masters of the Air.” Jack O’Connell was recently seen in films like “Sinners” and “28 Years Later.” According to “Knight Edge Media,” the third candidate could be Jack Barton. The 31-year-old is relatively unknown in Hollywood, having had smaller roles in “Heartstopper” and “War of the Worlds.” However, according to “Worldofreel,” he is considered a favorite and is even referred to internally as “The One.”
What exactly the studio is looking for in the new Bond is not yet clear. However, since all the current contenders are between 29 and 36 years old, there seems to be a tendency toward a relatively younger actor. Based on age, the unknown candidate could also be, according to “Kino.de,” Harris Dickinson (“Babygirl”) or Paul Mescal (“Gladiator II”).
Who Will Be the New James Bond?
What the New James Bond Should Look Like
Is the New Bond Already Decided Internally?
Surprisingly, Gary Oldman has now spoken out. In the Canadian show “The Morning Show,” the actor stated that Amazon MGM Studios has already made its choice. “We’ll find out soon, won’t we? Because they’ve chosen him. They’ve made their decision but haven’t announced it yet,” Oldman said.
The Oscar winner also expressed hope that his “Slow Horses” colleague Jack Lowden would get the role. “So I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Jack,” he explained. Although Lowden has long been part of the extended candidate pool, he is mentioned far less frequently as a favorite in many Bond speculations compared to names like Turner, Mescal, or Dickinson.
Whether Oldman actually has insights into the ongoing productions or is merely speculating remains unclear. There is currently no known connection to the ongoing Bond plans.
Decision Expected Soon
There are increasing indications that the casting of the new Bond could soon be finalized. According to “Worldofreel,” screen tests are set to take place in early September. At the same time, the production of the next Bond film is apparently already in preparation.
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Denis Villeneuve, known for the “Dune” films, is set to direct. The screenplay is reportedly by Steven Knight, the creator of “Peaky Blinders.” Daniel Craig last portrayed the British secret agent in the 2021 film “No Time to Die.” Since then, there has been speculation about who might succeed him.
If the reports prove true and production indeed begins in 2027, the new Bond film could hit theaters in early 2028. This would mean more than seven years between films. However, the only thing confirmed so far is that producer Amy Pascal has stated the decision on the new James Bond will be made by the end of the year. Until an official announcement is made, the current reports remain speculation.