Kristin Scott Thomas backs Jack Lowden for James Bond, hails his ‘cheeky’ charm

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Kristin Scott Thomas has voiced strong support for her Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden as a potential successor to Daniel Craig in the James Bond franchise. In a new interview with The Times, the actor praised Lowden’s abilities, stating she wishes she knew more about the situation but believes he would be “very, very good” in the iconic role.

Thomas highlighted Lowden’s unique qualities, noting that he possesses a distinct “twinkle” in his eye and a cheeky demeanor. She emphasized his professional caliber by describing him as a “very, very good actor.”

Lowden is not the only actor being linked to the coveted role, with Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor also reportedly in contention. The finalists are understood to have undergone screen tests in London last October. While Lowden acknowledged the rumors in a recent conversation with GQ Hype, he declined to confirm or deny his participation in the audition process.

He characterized the speculation as “flattering” and stated he was “just not really going to add to the noise.” This follows the conclusion of Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007, which began with Casino Royale in 2006 and ended with five cinematic appearances, culminating in No Time to Die in 2021.

Production stakes remain high for the upcoming installment. Amy Pascal, who is set to produce the next Bond film, told Deadline earlier this year that a casting announcement is expected by the end of the year. She emphasized a “methodical” approach, acknowledging that following Craig’s legacy requires a performance that is “stirring, exciting and different.”

Industry veterans are also weighing in on the strict requirements for the new character. Debbie McWilliams, a retired casting director who helped secure the roles for Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, stressed the necessity of maintaining the character’s mystery. She argued that the audience must remain ignorant of the spy’s personal life to believe in his lethal capabilities.

McWilliams noted that viewers do not need to know where Bond shops, who his parents are, or where he resides. Instead, the focus must remain on his license to kill, as any doubt about that persona risks losing the audience’s trust.

Former cast member Ben Whishaw, who portrayed Q alongside Craig, recently shared his own perspective in an interview. He suggested that the franchise “needs to be reinvented completely” to remain relevant.

The new entry in the Bond series has not yet been given a title. It will be helmed by Denis Villeneuve, the director of the Dune films, with David Heyman, known for his work on the Harry Potter franchise, collaborating with Pascal on the production.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)