Producers have already picked the next James Bond, actor Gary Oldman told Canada's The Morning Show, though the choice has not yet been publicly revealed. Oldman said he hopes the part will go to his Slow Horses co‑star Jack Lowden, a name that has featured prominently in the persistent casting rumours surrounding the long‑running franchise.
“It’s been rumoured that [Jack's] 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.”
Where the speculation stands
Oldman’s comment adds fresh fuel to months of conjecture about who will replace Daniel Craig in the 007 role. Since Amazon MGM Studios assumed creative control of the franchise in February 2025 and replaced long‑time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, casting talk has intensified as observers look for a new direction under studio oversight and, reportedly, director Denis Villeneuve.
The list of actors frequently mooted for the role is wide and varied. Alongside Lowden, names that have been discussed publicly include Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner. The range of candidates reflects divergent ideas about the franchise’s future tone and demographic reach.
| Actor | Context in reporting |
|---|---|
| Jack Lowden | Named by Gary Oldman as his preferred pick; co‑star in Slow Horses |
| Tom Holland | Repeatedly suggested in public speculation |
| Harris Dickinson | Included among names circulated by industry watchers |
| Aaron Taylor‑Johnson | Also frequently mentioned in casting lists |
| Jacob Elordi | Part of the roster of potential candidates |
| Callum Turner | Another name appearing in industry rumours |
Villeneuve, villain possibilities and stakes for the franchise
If the incoming film is directed by Denis Villeneuve, as has been reported, casting choices will carry large creative implications. A director known for atmospheric, auteur‑driven filmmaking could reshape Bond’s style and audience expectations. The actor selected to embody 007 will inevitably be read as a signal of how far the series intends to reinvent itself—or how much it will hew to established formulas.
The conversation about Bond’s world has also included vocal interest in the villains who will oppose him. Actor Saoirse Ronan has publicly stated she would like to play a Bond antagonist, telling Empire magazine and speaking on a podcast that she wants to “go dark” and has been serious about being considered for a villain role. She added that she would like to subvert familiar visual tropes associated with female antagonists.
“I said that I wanted to be a Bond villain and I’m dead serious. I think it would be really interesting, having a young female villain.”
What to watch next
For now, the industry and the public must wait for an official announcement. Oldman’s remarks suggest that internal decisions may already have been made, but studios often time public reveals to align with marketing campaigns and production schedules. The selection of a new Bond will not only define the next instalment artistically but will also shape casting conversations about foes and supporting roles, studio strategy under Amazon MGM, and the franchise’s commercial prospects.
Until the producers speak, the roster of names circulating in media and among insiders will continue to spark debate. For fans, critics and industry observers, the key questions remain: who will don the tuxedo, what tonal reset (if any) will the new team pursue, and how will the casting choices reflect the studio’s ambitions for a franchise that has spanned seven decades?
- Immediate impact: An official reveal could shift perceptions of the franchise’s creative direction.
- Talent implications: High‑profile supporting or villain roles—such as those suggested by Saoirse Ronan—may be rethought to match a new Bond.
- Commercial stakes: Casting decisions will influence box‑office expectations and marketing strategy under Amazon MGM.
As ever with Bond, the wait between rumour and confirmation is part of the ritual. When the studio chooses to speak, it will settle not only one casting question but also the story the franchise intends to tell next.
