UPDATE 9/8: Asked about Oldman’s claim on BBC Radio 4, Bond writer Steven Knight would not deny that 007 has been cast, saying, “I cannot speak about this subject.”
Gary Oldman says Amazon has already chosen its James Bond.
The Slow Horses star was asked about his co-star Jack Lowden and the 007 rumors while promoting the show’s new season, and his answer went further than anyone expected.
“It’s been rumored that he’s on the shortlist. We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack,” said Oldman.
The clip is now making the rounds online, with Bond fan accounts framing it as Oldman accidentally confirming Lowden is the next 007.
Oldman Didn’t Say It’s Jack Lowden
Look at the quote again.
Oldman opens by calling the shortlist a rumor and closes with “my fingers are crossed for Jack.” You don’t cross your fingers for a guy who already has the job.
What Oldman is saying is that Amazon has made its choice of actor. He’s hoping that choice is Lowden.
Lowden has been in the Bond conversation since August, when Richard Osman said the Slow Horses star was being “strongly considered” for the role.
Oldman plays Lowden’s boss on the show and would know better than most what his co-star has going on. But nothing in the quote says Lowden is Bond.
Where The Bond Search Reportedly Stands
Oldman’s claim also lands two days after Puck News’ Matt Belloni reported that test deals are going out to Bond contenders, with the audition list for director Denis Villeneuve expected within a couple of weeks and screen tests later this fall.
By that reporting, the search is still running, which would make Oldman’s “they have picked him” the first word that a decision has been made.
The “pretty soon” part fits the known timeline. Producer Amy Pascal has said a casting announcement by the end of the year is “a good bet.”
If Oldman is right, the only thing left is the announcement.
