As the James Bond franchise prepares for its next chapter, speculation is rife about who will don the iconic tuxedo following Daniel Craig’s departure. With several actors in contention, including Jack Lowden, the buzz surrounding the next 007 is intensifying.
Why it matters: The choice of the next James Bond is not just about casting; it reflects broader changes in the franchise's direction under new ownership. Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how the character will evolve.
The Bond franchise was sold to Amazon MGM in February 2025 for $1 billion, raising concerns about its traditional British identity.
Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond spanned from 2006 to 2021, culminating in five films that redefined the character for modern audiences.
Jack Lowden, currently filming season six of Slow Horses, is being touted as the frontrunner to replace Craig.
Driving the news: The speculation around Lowden’s casting was fueled by his co-star Gary Oldman, who mentioned him as a frontrunner during a recent interview. Oldman’s comments have led to increased media attention and public interest.
Oldman stated that he believes Lowden is on a shortlist for the role, adding to the excitement surrounding the casting process.
Saoirse Ronan, Lowden’s wife, has downplayed the rumors but acknowledged the buzz, noting their focus on family life.
Oldman clarified that he does not know who will play Bond but is hopeful for Lowden’s chances.
The big picture: The transition of the Bond franchise to Amazon has raised questions about its future direction. Léa Seydoux, who played Dr. Madeline Swann in Craig’s films, expressed concern that the franchise’s “British spirit” may be compromised.
Seydoux praised previous overseers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, emphasizing their influence on the franchise’s legacy.
Incoming director Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on Dune: Part 2, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the series.
Rory Kinnear, who played M’s chief of staff in Craig's films, expressed uncertainty about his return but acknowledged the need for continuity in the franchise.
Key contenders for the next James Bond:
Actor
Status
Jack Lowden
Current favorite
Callum Turner
In contention
Jack Barton
In contention
What they're saying: Industry insiders and fans have varied opinions on who should take over the role of James Bond. Many are excited about the prospect of Lowden stepping into the iconic role.
Oldman remarked, "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." This adds an air of mystery to the selection process.
Seydou expressed hope that the new direction will still honor the franchise's roots, stating, "I hope they will keep the British spirit." Her comments highlight a desire for continuity in the character's legacy.
Ronan humorously noted that she and Lowden are focused on their family life, stating, "We’re kind of getting on with our life, to be honest. We have plenty of other things to be dealing with." This reflects the couple's priority on personal matters over speculation.
By the numbers: The financial stakes in the Bond franchise are monumental, especially following its acquisition by Amazon.
The franchise was sold for $1 billion, indicating its immense value in the entertainment industry.
Daniel Craig reportedly earned over $100 million for his role across five films, setting a high bar for future actors.
Previous Bond actors have seen varying pay scales, with Sean Connery earning approximately $87.4 million adjusted for inflation across six films.
What's next: As the search for the new Bond heats up, fans can expect an announcement soon, potentially shedding light on the actor who will take on the legendary role.
Steven Knight, the writer for the next Bond film, hinted that the character has already been cast, raising anticipation for the official reveal.
Filming for the upcoming Bond installment is expected to begin soon, aligning with Amazon’s plans to revitalize the franchise.
Fans await the announcement with bated breath, eager to see how the character’s legacy will continue under new creative leadership.