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Gary Oldman Walks Back Claims on Next James Bond

His clarification shows the lead remains unconfirmed with industry reports, August screen tests and betting moves keeping speculation high around Amazon MGM's reboot.

Overview

  • Gary Oldman told reporters at TIFF on Monday that he does not know who has been chosen for 007 and that he is “hoping” his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden gets the part.
  • Multiple outlets report a six-person shortlist that reportedly includes Jack Lowden, Jack Barton, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson and say auditions and screen tests took place in August.
  • Amazon MGM Studios has declined to confirm any candidate and has pointed journalists to an earlier statement that the search for the next Bond is under way.
  • Betting markets briefly pushed Jack Lowden to clear favoritism, with one site reported to show about a 51% chance for him, a move that intensified media speculation but is not official confirmation.
  • Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct, Steven Knight is writing and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman with casting director Nina Gold are leading the hunt, a setup that signals a deliberate, long-term reboot and makes the casting choice consequential for the franchise’s direction and public image.