Slow Horses star Jack Lowden has described the speculation he could be the next James Bond as “flattering”.
The 36-year-old – who grew up in Oxton in the Scottish Borders – has been reported to be in the running for the role alongside Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor.
The actor chosen will replace Daniel Craig, who took over the role of Bond with Casino Royale in 2006 and bowed out after his fifth film, No Time To Die, in 2021.
Speaking to GQ Hype, Lowden responded to the rumours – but did not confirm or deny whether he was part of the auditioning process.
“On this… it’s all very flattering,” he said.
“It’s nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I’m just not really going to add to the noise,” he said.
Last month, his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman claimed the new Bond had been chosen, adding that he had his “fingers crossed” for Lowden.
Speaking to Canada’s Global, Oldman said: “It’s been rumoured that he’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.”
When asked about Oldman’s comments, 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.”
He added: “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.”
During an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival, Oldman clarified his remarks and said he had only heard a rumour that producers had selected an actor from a shortlist, not that Lowden had been cast.
He said he did not know who had got the part but he was hoping it was his co-star.
Lowden is best known for his roles in films including Dunkirk and Mary Queen Of Scots, as well as TV roles in Slow Horses and War and Peace.
The actor has also been awarded two Baftas and a Laurence Olivier Award as well as nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
He is next starring alongside Emma Corrin in Dolly Alderton’s adaptation of Pride And Prejudice.
The next Bond film is in development after it was announced last year that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight would write the script.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the upcoming project, which is currently untitled, while Dune’s Denis Villeneuve will direct.
Pascal told Deadline earlier this year that a casting announcement by the end of the year was a “good bet” but that Craig was a “hard act to follow”.
