Kristin Scott Thomas backs Jack Lowden for Bond as Ladbrokes put him odds-on

Kristin Scott Thomas has thrown her weight behind Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, telling The Times he would be "very, very good" for the role.

The 66-year-old actress, who stars alongside Lowden in the Apple TV MI5 drama, insisted she had no insider information but praised the Scottish actor’s "twinkle" and cheekiness. According to the Daily Mail ^[1], Lowden is currently the "clear favourite" to take over the franchise, with final auditions having taken place last month.

Lowden, 36, addressed the speculation in an interview with GQ Hype, stating it was "very flattering" but noting that his future might lie behind the camera rather than in front of it. His Slow Horses colleague Gary Oldman initially sparked the rumour mill, claiming producers had already made their choice and were simply waiting to announce it.

The casting process for the next 007 film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, has reached crunch time. The Independent reported ^[3] that Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor were believed to have screen-tested in London. Bookmakers at Ladbrokes have placed Lowden at odds of 8/11, with Turner at 2/1 and other contenders at 16/1.

Bond producer Amy Pascal confirmed in August that an announcement by the end of the year is a "good bet," allowing Amazon MGM Studios to begin filming in 2027. Pascal told Deadline the process was being handled "really, really methodically" to ensure the new Bond is "stirring, exciting and different."

While fans have speculated that Joe Alwyn is the "mystery star" in the final shortlist, this has not been confirmed. Other names previously linked include Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, and Jack Barton. Only six actors have officially played Bond, with Craig departing after No Time to Die in 2021.