Jack Lowden James Bond: Saoirse Ronan's Reaction & What's Next

Saoirse Ronan shuts down Bond talk with a smile — and a dog walk.

By Reel to Reel6 Oct 20262 min read

Current hype level73

Jack Lowden’s name has been whispered through the corridors of Bond lore again — this time, not by studio leaks or casting whispers, but by a man who shares his screen with him: Gary Oldman. In September, the Slow Horses co-star told Canada’s Global News that Lowden was “on the shortlist” to take over the role of James Bond after Daniel Craig’s retirement in 2021.

The comment sparked a wave of speculation, amplified when Oldman returned to the topic at the Toronto International Film Festival, confirming there was a six-person shortlist, though he declined to name any of them. “I heard a rumor they’ve picked James Bond,” he said, “but they haven’t announced it yet.” He added, tongue in cheek, “Like I got a red phone [to the Bond people].” Still, the weight of his words lingered, especially since Oldman is no stranger to the franchise’s inner circles.

But the real response came from Lowden’s wife, Saoirse Ronan, who addressed the rumors directly in an interview with the Associated Press on Sunday. When asked about her husband’s potential casting, she didn’t hesitate. “Well, Gary Oldman thinks he’s James Bond,” she said, smiling. “That’s its own thing.” She then pivoted sharply to domestic life: “We’re kinda getting on with our life, to be honest.

We have plenty of other things to be dealing with.” The dog needs walking. Dinner needs making. That’s where the focus lies. Ronan, a Golden Globe winner, also noted that Lowden is currently filming new episodes of Slow Horses, which is airing its sixth season on Apple TV.

Her tone wasn’t dismissive. It was deftly indifferent. The moment passed. No further commentary.

And yet, the story isn’t dead. Amazon MGM Studios, which gained full creative control of the Bond franchise in February 2025, remains silent on casting. Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next film, with Steven Knight writing the script. Rumors have circulated for months about several A-list actors being considered: Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, and Paul Mescal.

Lowden’s name now joins that list, though Page Six reported last month that Jack Barton, known for a minor role in Emma Stone’s Poor Things, is actually the favorite. So where does that leave the actor? Unannounced. Unconfirmed.

And, as Ronan made clear, unbothered. The only thing certain is that the next Bond hasn’t been chosen. And until then, the quietest answer might be the most telling.