Actor Jack Lowden, currently starring as River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ series "Slow Horses," is reportedly a leading candidate to portray James Bond, potentially succeeding Daniel Craig. However, a significant creative and business rivalry between Amazon, which now holds creative control over the Bond franchise, and Apple, which produces "Slow Horses," could complicate Lowden's casting.
Amazon acquired the rights to the British spy franchise from the Broccoli family last year in a multi-billion-dollar deal. The need for a new Bond actor follows Daniel Craig's final performance in "No Time to Die." Sources suggest that Lowden is highly rated by Amazon executives who see him as a potential successor with a strong Scottish identity, reminiscent of the original Bond, Sir Sean Connery.
The potential conflict arises because Lowden is currently committed to "Slow Horses." An insider noted that it would be "literally impossible for an actor to play two British spies almost simultaneously." This situation has reportedly sparked a significant dispute between executives at Apple and Amazon, as both companies are described as unwilling to concede.
Lowden's career has seen a rapid ascent, with critical and commercial success in "Slow Horses," which is preparing for its sixth season. He has also received award nominations for his role and garnered praise for his performances in "The Gold" and films such as Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" and "Mary Queen Of Scots." His directorial and producing ventures under his Reiver Pictures company, with a focus on making work in Scotland, also highlight his growing influence.
Sources indicate that the shortlist for the 007 role has been narrowed down to a final four, though their identities remain undisclosed. Other actors mentioned in connection with the role include Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Paul Mescal, Jack O’Connell, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Director Saul Metzstein, who has worked with Lowden on "Slow Horses," expressed his belief that Lowden would be a "fantastic James Bond," citing his wit and the lightness he brings to his performances.
Lowden himself has remained largely non-committal about the Bond rumors, though he has previously commented on the potential usefulness of his observational skills for a spy role. He began his acting career in local theater in Scotland and studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Early screen work included an Irn-Bru advertisement, and his transition to more significant roles began with the National Theatre of Scotland's production of "Black Watch."
Lowden met his wife, actress Saoirse Ronan, on the set of "Mary Queen Of Scots." The couple, who welcomed their first child last year, are known for their relatively private life, dividing their time between homes in Scotland, London, and Ireland, and enjoying activities like Munro-bagging.
While Lowden has not publicly addressed his Bond ambitions, his rising profile and critical acclaim position him as a strong contender for one of cinema's most coveted roles. His potential casting as Bond would see him follow in the footsteps of fellow Scot Sir Sean Connery, who originated the role on screen.