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Jack Lowden is keeping relatively quiet about the possibility of becoming the next James Bond, even as speculation mounts that the “Slow Horses” star is among the frontrunners to replace Daniel Craig as 007.

In an interview with British GQ, the Scottish actor addressed the ongoing casting rumors, including recent comments from his “Slow Horses” co-star Gary Oldman who publicly backed Lowden for the role:

“It’s all very flattering. It’s nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I’m just not really going to add to the noise,” Lowden said. “It’s very nice, and Gary’s a sweetheart – it’s particularly lovely, coming from someone like him. But I don’t really listen to it.”

Lowden, who plays M15 agent River Cartwright opposite Oldman’s Jackson Lamb in the Apple TV spy thriller, suggests that being linked to Bond is almost inevitable for actors of a certain type-cast and age.

“As a young male actor, generally, the minute you’re not playing a zany artist type, the minute you’re in a suit, people fling it at you,” he said.

Lowden’s comments arrive as the search for the next Bond reportedly enters its final stages. As Variety reported on Oct. 23, Amazon MGM Studio was preparing to conduct final screen tests for the role, with Lowden and “Masters of the Air” actor Callum Turner believed to be among the contenders. “Challengers” star Josh O’Connor has also reportedly received an offer to test, while other names previously linked to the franchise include Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Paul Mescal.

Lowden’s name gained particular traction in September after Oldman appeared to suggest that Bond producers had already selected Craig’s successor. Speaking on Canada’s “The Morning Show,” the Oscar winner said Lowden was rumored to be on the shortlist and expressed hope that his co-star would land the part.

“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack,” Oldman said.

Oldman later clarified his remarks during a Toronto International Film Festival appearance, explaining that he had only heard a rumor that producers had selected an actor from a six-person shortlist, not that Lowden had secured the role.

“So I do not know [who has gotten the part], but I’m hoping it’s Jack,” Oldman said. He also pushed back on headlines suggesting he had inside information about the casting process, joking that the coverage made it sound as though he had a direct line to director Denis Villeneuve.

The next Bond film will mark the franchise’s first installment since Amazon MGM took creative control from longtime custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in 2025. Villeneuve is attached to direct, with “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. Casting director Nina Gold is overseeing the search for the next 007.

Craig last portrayed the British secret agent in 2021’s “No Time to Die,” concluding a five-film run that began with 2006’s “Casino Royale.” An official announcement naming his successor is widely expected before the end of 2026, though Amazon MGM has not confirmed a timeline.