The next actor to play James Bond has been selected, according to Peaky Blinders writer Stephen Knight, who is also penning the script for the upcoming film. Knight confirmed producers had made their choice, though no official announcement has been made. Speculation has centred on Slow Horses star Jack Lowden, who has received public backing from his co-star Gary Oldman.
Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, Knight was asked whether he had written the blockbuster with the unnamed actor in mind or based on the character. "It's a bit of both," he replied. "It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor."
Host Anna Foster pressed Knight for more details, asking whether he was told the actor's identity at the beginning of the writing process or halfway through. "I'll refer you to my previous answer," Knight laughed, before describing the task of writing the next Bond film as "doing my duty for King and country."
Knight on Bond's unique place in cinema
Knight elaborated on the unique nature of the franchise. "The thing with Bond is it's its own universe, and it's its own franchise," he said. "So there are certain rules. I mean, obviously you have to move it along, but I love where it sits. I love that it's British. I love that it's not DC or Marvel … So I feel a responsibility to the text."
Daniel Craig's final appearance as Bond came in 2021's No Time To Die. Since then, numerous actors have been linked to the role, including Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy and Damson Idris. In recent weeks, Theo James, previously a frontrunner, ruled himself out, claiming he was "too old" to take on the part.
Oldman's public pitch for Lowden
Gary Oldman, who stars alongside Lowden in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, has been vocal in his support. Speaking on a morning show in Canada, Oldman said: "It's been rumoured that [Lowden] is 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."
Oldman's comments followed a social media post from James Callis, who plays Claude Whelan in Slow Horses. Callis shared a photo of Lowden on Instagram with the caption: "He doesn't need my blessing- But he's got it in spades. (Saved my life!- in the park.) #jacklowden @jack.lowden @jacklowden.fans - my word is my bond."
Ronan's pitch for a Bond villain role
Lowden's wife, Saoirse Ronan, has previously expressed interest in appearing in the franchise as a Bond villain. Speaking to Empire magazine, she said she was "dead serious" about taking part. "I think it would be really interesting, having a young female villain," she said. "Especially for girls and women, to see someone who can just take all that pent-up anger and direct it somewhere, there's something interesting in that dramatically. So I would love to do more of that."
Lowden, a Bafta-nominated actor, was pictured in a period outfit earlier this week, adding to the speculation. Neither Lowden nor the Bond producers have commented publicly on the casting reports. The next Bond film is currently in development, with Knight attached as screenwriter.
