Full Breakdown
Jack Lowden Tipped as Strong Contender for the Next James Bond
8/12/2026, 8:25:09 PM
Core Development: Rumor of a New 007
During the latest episode of the *The Rest Is Entertainment* podcast, former *Pointless* host Richard Osman disclosed that he had been told the name of an actor “strongly considered” for the next James Bond. Osman said the individual is “Jack Lowden,” a 36-year-old Scottish performer best known for his role as River Cartwright in *Slow Horses* and for appearances in *Dunkirk* and *Mary Queen of Scots*. Osman emphasized that the tip is not a confirmed appointment, stating that “it is definitively not a ‘he’s definitely got it’ thing” and that Lowden “would be amazing.”
Background & Context
The franchise began a casting search after Daniel Craig’s final appearance in 2021. Amazon MGM Studios, which took creative control in 2022, announced in June 2025 that the hunt for the next 007 was underway. Casting director Nina Gold—renowned for her work on *Slow Horses*—is leading the process and has previously collaborated with Lowden. Reported frontrunners have included Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Tom Hardy. Osman dismissed the predictive value of fan polls.
Official Statements & Responses
“I would say the end of the year is a good bet,” — Amy Pascal, Bond producer. The upcoming film—designated *Bond 26*—will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and scripted by Steven Knight. Production is slated to begin in 2027, with a theatrical release planned for 2028, according to Euronews.
Why It Matters
Choosing a new Bond actor carries commercial and cultural weight. The lead anchors a multi-film cycle, influencing box-office projections, merchandising and global brand positioning. Amazon’s ownership suggests a strategic intent to refresh the series for both streaming and theatrical markets, while a “different” lead may signal a tonal shift from Craig’s gritty realism. Lowden would be the first Scottish Bond since Sean Connery, a point that could resonate with UK audiences.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Someone told me for definite who the new Bond is the other day, but I mean that’s happened before.” — Richard Osman
- “We absolutely have to take into account [that] the public would have been wrong on every single Bond appointed, apart from maybe Pierce Brosnan,” — Richard Osman
- “I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical.” — Amy Pascal
What’s Next
Amazon MGM Studios expects to confirm the new Bond actor before the close of the calendar year, after which pre-production for *Bond 26* will commence in 2027. The film’s release is targeted for 2028, aligning with the studio’s broader rollout strategy under Villeneuve’s direction.
