Screenwriter Steven Knight has confirmed that the actor playing the next James Bond has already been cast, following months of intense speculation over who will succeed Daniel Craig in the iconic role.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday, the Peaky Blinders creator revealed that he is currently writing the screenplay for the upcoming 007 film with the selected lead actor in mind.
Asked whether he was shaping the script for a specific star or focusing solely on the legendary secret agent, Knight explained that his writing process involves a mix of both approaches.
"It's a bit of both," Knight said. "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."
Knight emphasized the unique nature of working on the long-running spy franchise, which was created by author Ian Fleming and is produced by Eon Productions.
"The thing with Bond is that it's its own universe and own franchise so there are certain rules, obviously you have to move it along but I love where it sits," Knight added. "I love that it's British and it's not DC or Marvel. The only thing I can say is I feel like I'm doing my duty for King and country. It's like something if you're a British writer, you have to do."
Jack Lowden Emerges as Frontrunner
Knight's comments follow widespread claims that Scottish actor Jack Lowden is the top candidate being considered by 007 producers for the coveted role.
Lowden's Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman appeared to confirm that casting decisions have been made during an interview on Canada's The Morning Show, expressing strong support for his fellow actor.
The 68-year-old Oscar winner told the host that rumors placing the 36-year-old Lowden on the shortlist were accurate, claiming that decision-makers have already finalized their choice.
"They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet," Oldman said, adding that he has his fingers crossed for Lowden. "We're going to find out pretty soon, aren't we? Because they have picked him."
Producers are reportedly strongly considering Lowden to head the franchise following Daniel Craig's final appearance as Bond in the 2021 film No Time To Die.
Speculation around the casting process heightened in May after Amazon MGM Studios announced that auditions were officially taking place to find Craig's successor.
Industry Insiders Back Casting Reports
The job of finding the next secret agent now falls to director Denis Villeneuve alongside veteran British casting director Nina Gold.
Television presenter Richard Osman also addressed the casting rumors on the podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, which he co-hosts alongside journalist Marina Hyde.
Osman told Hyde that someone recently shared the casting decision with him directly, naming Lowden as the actor being strongly considered.
"Someone told me for definite who the new Bond is the other day, but I mean that's happened before," Osman said. "The name I've heard is Jack Lowden."
Osman cautioned that while Lowden is under heavy consideration, the decision is not yet a done deal. "It is definitely not a 'he's definitely got it' thing," Osman said. "He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he'd be amazing."
Hyde agreed with the assessment, noting that at age 36, Lowden offers the ideal longevity for a studio planning multiple films. "You have to have the longevity," Hyde pointed out. "They've got to do at least two movies, and he's a good age for it."
Osman praised Lowden's talent and screen presence, comparing him to Craig when he took over the role in 2006. "He has real Daniel Craig energy," Osman said, adding that Lowden is a brilliant actor who can handle both comedy and action sequences. "I think he'd be sensational."
Background and Upcoming Projects
Lowden previously starred in Christopher Nolan's 2017 historical war film Dunkirk and currently stars alongside Oldman in the Apple TV+ spy thriller series Slow Horses.
The actor is next set to star as Mr Darcy in Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice, coming later this year.
Lowden's wife, the 32-year-old Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan, has also previously backed her husband for the 007 role.
