The search for the next James Bond has taken an unexpected turn. Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman recently claimed that Amazon MGM Studios has already picked the new 007. Now the franchise’s writer, Steven Knight, has responded — but he is not saying much.
Knight, who is writing the next Bond film, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today show on September 8, 2026. When asked about Oldman’s comments, he gave a careful answer that left fans with more questions than answers.
“I cannot speak about this subject. Much as I would dearly love to.”
The writer added that he felt like he was “doing my duty for King and country” by working on the Ian Fleming spy franchise for Amazon MGM Studios.
What Gary Oldman Said About the New James Bond
The speculation started when Gary Oldman gave an interview to Canada’s Global News while promoting the sixth season of his show Slow Horses. The actor, known for his roles in The Dark Knight trilogy and Harry Potter, made a bold claim about the Bond casting process.
Oldman said that the studio had already made its decision. He also made it clear who he wants to see in the role.
“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So, my fingers are crossed for Jack.”
The “Jack” Oldman referred to is Jack Lowden. Lowden is Oldman’s co-star on the Apple TV+ spy series Slow Horses. The 36-year-old Scottish actor has been on the rumored shortlist for the Bond role for some time.
Oldman also mentioned that Lowden had been rumored to be on the shortlist and that fans would find out soon. Other names that have been linked to the role include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Steven Knight Dodges Questions About 007 Casting
During the BBC Radio 4 interview, host Anna Foster tried several times to get more information from Knight. She asked if knowing the actor’s identity made the writing process easier.
Knight admitted that it does help.
“It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.”
Foster then asked when Knight was told about the casting choice — whether it was at the beginning of the writing process or later. Knight laughed and gave the same answer.
“I refer you to my previous answer.”
He then spoke about what the Bond franchise means to him.
“The thing with Bond is it’s its own universe, and it’s its own franchise. So, there are certain rules. I mean, obviously you have to move it along, but I love where it sits. I love that it’s British. I love that it’s not DC or Marvel … So, I feel a responsibility to the text.”
More Slow Horses Cast Members Support Jack Lowden
Oldman is not the only Slow Horses actor backing Lowden for the Bond role. James Callis, who plays Claude Whelan in the series, also showed his support.
Callis posted a photo of Lowden on his Instagram page with a message of support.
“He doesn’t need my blessing — But he’s got it in spades. (Saved my life! — in the park.) #jacklowden @jack.lowden @jacklowden.fans — my word is my bond.”
The support from two Slow Horses cast members has added more weight to the speculation that Lowden might actually be the chosen actor.
What We Know About the Next James Bond Film
The next James Bond movie is being directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Blade Runner 2049. Steven Knight, who created Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay.
Amazon MGM Studios now controls the Bond franchise after acquiring MGM. The studio has not made any official announcement about who will play the next 007.
Reports from earlier in the summer of 2026 said that auditions were taking place for the Bond role in August. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, along with director Villeneuve, were said to have informed talent who had been shortlisted.
Daniel Craig played James Bond in five films, starting with Casino Royale in 2006 and ending with No Time To Die in 2021. Since then, fans have been waiting to learn who will take over the iconic role.
What Steven Knight’s Response Means for Bond Fans
Knight’s refusal to deny Oldman’s claim is significant. If the casting news were completely false, Knight could have simply said so. Instead, he chose to stay silent on the matter.
His comment that knowing the actor makes writing “a little bit easier” also suggests that he is indeed writing with a specific actor in mind. This lines up with what Oldman said about the studio having already made a choice.
However, Knight made it clear that his job is to write the character of James Bond, not to write for a particular actor. This means the script could work for whoever eventually gets the role.
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Jack Lowden’s Connection to the Bond Franchise
Jack Lowden is not a newcomer to the spy genre. He stars alongside Oldman in Slow Horses, a series about disgraced MI5 agents. The show has received critical praise and has a strong following.
Lowden is married to actress Saoirse Ronan. In a recent interview, Ronan said she was “dead serious” about wanting to play a Bond villain.
“I think it would be really interesting, having a young female villain. Especially for girls and women, to see someone who can just take all that pent-up anger and direct it somewhere, there’s something interesting in that dramatically.”
If Lowden does get the Bond role, it would create an interesting situation where his wife could potentially appear as a villain in a future film.
The next James Bond film does not have an official release date yet. Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed any casting decisions. Steven Knight’s interview on BBC Radio 4 took place on September 8, 2026. Gary Oldman made his comments the day before, on September 7.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement from Amazon MGM Studios. Knight’s careful words have done little to clear up the mystery. But his refusal to deny Oldman’s claim has only added fuel to the fire that Jack Lowden might be the next James Bond.
Also Read: Former James Bond Casting Director Says Next 007 Must Be a ‘Total Enigma’
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