Summary (tl;dr)

Scottish actor Jack Lowden is currently trending due to intense speculation that he is a leading contender, and possibly already chosen, to be the next James Bond, alongside his involvement in several high-profile upcoming entertainment projects.

Essential Background

The search for a new actor to portray James Bond has been ongoing since Daniel Craig stepped down from the role in 2021 after "No Time to Die". Jack Lowden has steadily built a reputable career, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his role as MI5 operative River Cartwright in Apple TV+'s popular espionage drama, "Slow Horses". His work in this genre has positioned him as a familiar face within the spy thriller landscape.

The Full Story

Jack Lowden's name has surged in popularity following recent comments from prominent media figures regarding the next James Bond. Television presenter and author Richard Osman stated on his podcast that he had heard through industry sources that Lowden is being "strongly considered" for the iconic 007 role, prompting major bookmakers to significantly cut his odds. Further fueling the rumors, Lowden's "Slow Horses" co-star, Gary Oldman, hinted that the new James Bond has already been selected and suggested Lowden as a strong candidate in a recent interview. Beyond the Bond buzz, Lowden's visibility is also boosted by his upcoming roles, including portraying Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy in Netflix's 2026 adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and a lead role as police officer Bernie Gunther in Apple TV+'s forthcoming crime thriller series "Berlin Noir," which is currently filming.

Why It Matters

The casting of James Bond is one of the most significant and highly anticipated decisions in the entertainment industry, capable of defining an actor's career and shaping the future direction of the long-running film franchise. Lowden's emergence as a frontrunner is particularly notable as he would be the first Scottish actor to embody 007 since Sean Connery, which resonates deeply with fans and the character's canonical Scottish heritage. His existing experience in espionage roles further strengthens his appeal as a credible successor, promising a continuation of the franchise's gritty spy tradition.

Geographic Location

• United Kingdom (center of James Bond casting speculation and production hub for many of Jack Lowden's projects)
• Berlin, Berlin State, Germany (filming of "Berlin Noir")