The James Bond casting conversation has found another familiar name in Jack Lowden, but the Scottish actor is not interested in adding fuel to the speculation. As the search for Daniel Craig’s successor continues, the Slow Horses star has addressed the rumors with a mixture of appreciation and restraint. His response also comes at an interesting point in his career, as he reflects on turning 36 and moving beyond the label of a promising young actor.

But while the internet has been busy connecting the dots, Lowden has chosen to keep his distance from the growing conversation.

In an interview with British GQ published on November 2, Jack Lowden finally addressed the James Bond chatter, including Gary Oldman's comments and reports about screen tests. The actor poured cold water on the speculation rather than offering any indication of whether he was being considered.

“It’s all very flattering,” Lowden said. 

“It’s nice to be mentioned — for any role — and I’m just not really going to add to the noise…It’s very nice, and Gary’s a sweetheart. It’s particularly lovely, coming from someone like him. But I don’t really listen to it,” he further shared. 

As per The Hollywood Reporter, screen tests for Amazon MGM Studios' next Bond film were expected to take place in London toward the end of October. Lowden was reportedly among the actors being considered, alongside Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor. The film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. However, none of the reported casting possibilities should be mistaken for a confirmed shortlist or final decision.

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And there is another reason the timing of these rumors makes for an interesting conversation. 

The actor explains that he first noticed the change around 30, jokingly comparing his ageing process to that of footballers, who are often judged by whether they still have the legs to compete. However, his reflections go beyond physical ageing. Lowden recalls being labelled a promising actor for years after winning an Olivier Award at 23 and earning an EE Rising Star award. His performances in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk (2017) and Mary Queen of Scots (2018), opposite wife Saoirse Ronan, further established his credentials without immediately making him a household name.

“I’m 36, man. You definitely start feeling older,” Jack Lowden told British GQ. 

Now, with six seasons of Slow Horses behind him and Netflix's upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation bringing him to another major audience as Mr. Darcy, Jack Lowden is experiencing a different kind of career attention. At 36, the actor is within the age range associated with several previous Bonds, making the speculation particularly intriguing, although his career trajectory does not confirm anything about the casting decision.

For now, Lowden has plenty happening beyond the 007 conversation. Whether he eventually gets the call to wear the famous tuxedo remains unknown, but the speculation is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. 

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