Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Gary Oldman Says Next James Bond Has Been Chosen
Gary Oldman says the people making the next James Bond movie have already picked their actor.
The studio has not officially told the public who it is.
Oldman hopes his co-star Jack Lowden gets the role.
Jack Lowden has reportedly been considered for the shortlist.
However, Oldman may have been speaking generally about the studio’s decision rather than confirming Lowden.
Daniel Craig was the previous James Bond.
The new movie will be called Bond 26.
Denis Villeneuve will direct it, and Steven Knight will write the script.
Amazon MGM Studios now has creative control of the Bond franchise.
Gary Oldman said Amazon MGM Studios has chosen the next James Bond, but has not announced the actor.
Oldman backed his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden, who has reportedly been linked to the shortlist.
It remains unclear whether Oldman meant Lowden specifically or only that the studio has finalized its selection.
Amazon MGM Studios hired casting director Nina Gold after the search for Daniel Craig’s successor began in May.
Bond 26 will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight, with Amazon MGM holding creative control.
- Who
- Gary Oldman discussed the reported decision; Jack Lowden is among the actors linked to the Bond shortlist; Amazon MGM Studios is overseeing the film.
- What
- The studio has reportedly chosen the next James Bond, although the actor has not been officially announced.
- When
- Oldman made the claim in a recent interview; the successor search began in May, with no announcement date specified.
- Where
- Oldman made the comments in an interview with Canada’s Global; the film’s production location is not stated.
- Why
- Amazon MGM Studios is selecting Daniel Craig’s successor after Craig’s five-film run as Bond.
Specific Lowden Casting
General Studio Decision
Meaning of Oldman’s comments
Specific Lowden Casting
Oldman’s support for Jack Lowden and reference to the choice being made could be interpreted as suggesting Lowden has been cast as Bond.
General Studio Decision
The report says it remains unclear whether Oldman was confirming Lowden specifically or only saying Amazon MGM Studios had finalized its selection.
Official confirmation
Specific Lowden Casting
Lowden is reportedly among the shortlisted actors and may be the actor Oldman was referring to.
General Studio Decision
No official announcement has been made, and other reported shortlist names include Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi.
- Reported choice
- Gary Oldman said the next Bond actor has been selected, but the studio has not announced the choice.
- Possible candidate
- Jack Lowden has reportedly been linked to the shortlist, and Oldman said he hopes Lowden gets the role.
- Previous Bond
- Daniel Craig played James Bond in five films, from Casino Royale in 2006 through No Time to Die in 2021.
- Director
- Denis Villeneuve will direct Bond 26.
- Writer
- Steven Knight wrote the script for Bond 26.
- Casting director
- Amazon MGM Studios hired Nina Gold to lead the casting process.
- Franchise control
- A joint venture with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson gave Amazon MGM creative control of the franchise.