Gary Oldman Clarifies Statement About New '007' and Backs Jack Lowden

Gary Oldman commented again on his recent statement about the next James Bond. After saying that Amazon MGM had already chosen the new 007, the actor explained during an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that he does not know who got the role, although he is still rooting for Jack Lowden, his Slow Horses co-star.

“There are six people on the shortlist. I heard a rumor that they picked James Bond, but they still haven’t announced it, which is their right. So I don’t know [who got the role], but I hope it’s Jack,” Oldman told journalist Josh Horowitz. The actor also joked that he had a “red phone” connected to the people in charge of the film, but that he would not reveal a possible secret even if he knew the identity of the new 007.

Oldman’s previous statement had fueled rumors about the choice of Daniel Craig’s successor, especially because he directly mentioned Lowden. The actor, however, made it clear that his comment did not mean his colleague had already been cast. According to Deadline, Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi are among the names who have tested for the role.

Oldman also said that he learned to be more cautious with information about major franchises after revealing, in the past, details about the approval of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises: “I got scolded for that,” he said.

Everything you need to know about the future of 007

With over 20 films released since the 1960s, 007 is one of the longest-running franchises in cinema history. From the very beginning, the Broccoli family has stewarded the character and his films—first with Cubby Broccoli, founder of Eon, and later with his children, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. In 2025, however, the Broccolis decided to sell creative control of the character to Amazon MGM Studios for a reported $1 billion. Within Amazon, Amy Pascal—producer for the Spider-Man films—and David Heyman—who produced the Harry Potter adaptations—were selected to produce and manage the franchise.

It is not yet known when the new James Bond film will be released, let alone who will take on the role of Agent 007. However, Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Dune) will direct, and Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is handling the screenplay.