Jack Lowden 'next James Bond' comments clarified by Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman has clarified what he does and doesn't know about the casting of the next James Bond. The acclaimed actor caused a bit of a stir earlier this week with comments about his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden.

In an interview with Canadian broadcaster Global last weekend, he had said: “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.”

Some Bond enthusiasts on social media couldn't figure out whether Oldman was alluding to some inside info he may have had about Lowden, and according to Oddschecker, Lowden's odds of being picked have been slashed and he is the clear bookies' favourite.

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Now, speaking at a Visionaries session at TIFF, as reported by Deadline, Oldman has clarified his remarks.

“There’s six people on a shortlist. I heard a rumor that they’ve picked James Bond, but they haven’t announced it yet, which is their prerogative,” he said.

“So I do not know [who has got the part], but I’m hoping it’s Jack.”

Whoever might end up being unveiled as Daniel Craig's successor, Bond boss Amy Pascal has recently suggested that the news could be out by New Year, teasing: "I would say the end of the year is a good bet."

Other names thought to be in the mix have included Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson and Sunset Boulevard stage star Tom Francis.

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The 26th official Bond film is being written by Peaky Blinders scribe Steven Knight, who wisely swerved questions this week about whether the lead role had been cast.

"I cannot speak about this subject. Much as I would dearly love to,” he told BBC Radio 4.

One person who seems to have ruled themselves out is James Norton, who told Capital Breakfast: "I've been asked a thousand times over the last ten years. And I can honestly, hand on heart, say no. I think I may be a little bit long in the tooth now."

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Shaun is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, with over a decade of experience reporting on all things pop culture. He has written for outlets including Metro, Attitude, Huffington Post, The Mirror, Yahoo!, Pink News and Express Online, specialising in TV, movies, soaps, music and LGBTQ+ issues. He is also a BAFTA Rocliffe-winning scriptwriter, having written episodes of the soap Hollyoaks, the official Steps musical Here & Now and multiple Offie Award-nominated plays. He studied English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia, and will happily talk at length about Desperate Housewives to anyone who'll listen.