Actor Jack Lowden has surged to the top of prediction markets as the leading candidate to play the next James Bond, with Polymarket traders now assigning him a 49% chance of securing the role. The shift follows remarks from Gary Oldman, his co-star in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, who stated that a decision on the new Bond actor has already been made but not yet announced.
Oldman made the comments during an interview on Canada’s The Morning Show on September 6, telling the host: “They have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.” He added that he had “his fingers crossed” for Lowden, whom he described as being on the shortlist for the role. The remarks were first reported by Deadline and later echoed by other media outlets, including the Daily Mail.
Lowden’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment from Newsweek or other outlets. The actor’s involvement in Slow Horses, where he stars alongside Oldman, has fueled speculation about his potential casting in the Bond franchise. The series, which follows a group of disgraced MI5 agents, is produced by the same team behind the upcoming Bond films under Amazon MGM Studios.
Prediction Markets Reflect Shift in Odds
On Polymarket, Lowden’s trading volume has reached approximately $132,000, with his odds climbing to 49%—a significant increase from previous weeks. The platform’s data indicates a decisive move toward Lowden as the frontrunner, though other actors remain in the running. The surge in betting activity coincides with Oldman’s public remarks, which have been widely circulated on social media.
A post by X user @advitwake summarizing Oldman’s comments garnered 469,000 views and 3,100 likes, reflecting public interest in the speculation. Some users questioned the timing of Oldman’s remarks, with one commenter calling the post “crazy thing to post before the official announcement.” Others suggested that such hints could complicate the casting process or influence Lowden’s prospects.
Additional Speculation from Public Figures
Beyond Oldman’s comments, further speculation has emerged from other public figures. Richard Osman, host of The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, revealed that he had been told “for definite” that Lowden was the frontrunner, though he cautioned that this was not a confirmed appointment. Osman described Lowden as having “real Daniel Craig energy” and praised his acting range, noting his ability to balance humor and action.
Co-host Marina Hyde agreed, stating that Lowden’s age—36—made him a strong candidate for longevity in the role, given the franchise’s requirement for multiple films. Osman also highlighted Lowden’s suitability, saying: “I think he’d be amazing.”
Casting Team and Industry Context
The search for the next James Bond is being led by casting director Nina Gold and director Denis Villeneuve, who are overseeing auditions for the role. Amazon MGM Studios took over the franchise in May 2023, following its acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), and has since signaled a fresh direction for the series.
The franchise has been in a state of transition since Daniel Craig concluded his tenure as Bond with No Time to Die in 2021. The delay in announcing a successor has fueled months of speculation, with industry insiders and fans alike weighing in on potential candidates. Lowden’s name has gained traction in recent weeks, partly due to his collaboration with Oldman in Slow Horses, where the two actors play MI5 operatives.
Potential Implications of Early Hints
The timing of Oldman’s remarks has raised questions about the impact of such statements on the official casting process. Some industry observers have expressed concern that premature hints could pressure the decision-makers or influence public perception before an announcement is made. Others argue that the speculation reflects the natural excitement surrounding the franchise’s next chapter.
Casting director Nina Gold, who has worked on both Slow Horses and the upcoming Bond films, adds another layer of intrigue to the speculation. Her involvement in both projects has led to speculation about a potential connection between the two productions, though no official confirmation has been provided.
What’s Next?
The Bond franchise has not set a firm timeline for the announcement of its new lead, though Oldman and other sources suggest it could come “soon.” Until then, prediction markets and public speculation will continue to evolve, with Lowden currently holding the lead in betting odds. The franchise’s next film is expected to begin production in the coming months, pending the final casting decision.