James Bond screenwriter Steven Knight has confirmed that the role of 007 has already been cast, ending months of speculation following Daniel Craig's departure in 2021's "No Time to Die."
Knight, who is currently writing the new Bond script, told Radio 4 that knowing the actor in mind makes the writing process easier, though he emphasized that the character, not the actor, must be central to the script. "The thing with Bond is that it's its own universe and own franchise so there are certain rules, obviously you have to move it along but I love where it sits," Knight said, adding that he feels he is "doing my duty for King and country" as a British writer.
Reports have long suggested that Scottish actor Jack Lowden is the frontrunner for the role. Actor Gary Oldman appeared to confirm the casting, stating that he had his fingers crossed for his "Slow Horses" co-star Lowden. "They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet," Oldman said.
Lowden, 36, has been a consistent tip for the role, with producers reportedly "strongly considering" him. The process of finding a successor to Craig has been underway, with casting director Nina Gold and director Denis Villeneuve involved in the selection.
Presenter Richard Osman also teased on his podcast, "The Rest Is Entertainment," that he had been definitively told who the new Bond is, though he cautioned it was not yet official. He named Jack Lowden as the individual he heard. "He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he'd be amazing," Osman stated, noting Lowden's suitability for the age and action requirements of the iconic spy.
Osman and co-host Marina Hyde discussed Lowden's potential, with Hyde pointing out his "good age" at 36, allowing for longevity in the role. Osman added that Lowden possesses "real Daniel Craig energy" and is capable of both humor and action, suggesting he would be "sensational."
Lowden, who also appeared in Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk," is set to portray Mr. Darcy in an upcoming Netflix adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." His wife, actress Saoirse Ronan, has previously expressed support for his potential casting as James Bond.