One name is going around the rumour mill to become the next James Bond Actor.
The race to become the next James Bond has entered another intriguing phase, with the identity of Daniel Craig’s successor still under wraps but speculation intensifying as Amazon MGM continues its search for the new 007.
Several familiar names have dominated the rumours in recent months, including Callum Turner, Henry Cavill and Harris Dickinson. However, Scottish actor Jack Lowden has now been thrust firmly into the conversation after Richard Osman claimed he had been told that the Slow Horses star is being “strongly considered” for the iconic role.
Lowden’s emergence has also been reflected in the betting market, with his odds shortening significantly. He is now among the leading contenders, although Callum Turner remains the current favourite.
With Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached to the next Bond film and Steven Knight writing the screenplay, the foundations are in place for a new era of 007. The only major piece still missing is the actor who will inherit the famous tuxedo.
Next James Bond Actor Odds
The latest betting odds show Callum Turner at the head of the market, although the gap between the leading contenders remains relatively narrow.
Turner has established himself as the leading name after previously drifting down the market. His performances in Masters of the Air and Fantastic Beasts have helped make him a credible candidate for the role, while his recent move into major film projects has further increased his profile.
Henry Cavill remains one of the most recognisable names linked with Bond and has returned to the forefront of the betting at 3/1. The former Superman star has been linked with 007 for years, although Amazon's reported desire for a younger actor could ultimately work against his chances.
The biggest recent mover is Jack Lowden. Once regarded as more of an outsider, the Scottish actor has been cut to 5/1 following renewed speculation surrounding his candidacy.
Harris Dickinson completes the current leading group at 8/1. The 29-year-old has built an increasingly impressive filmography, with credits including The Iron Claw, Triangle of Sadness and The King's Man.
Who is favourite to be the next James Bond Actor?
Callum Turner is currently the favourite in the betting at 11/10, putting the Masters of the Air star ahead of Henry Cavill, Jack Lowden and Harris Dickinson.
Turner has been one of the names most consistently associated with the role during the latest stage of the casting process. His age also fits with reports that the new Bond could be expected to carry the franchise across several films, rather than simply stepping in for one instalment.
The 36-year-old has already demonstrated that he can handle both action and period drama, while his growing profile gives him the kind of international recognition that could make him a natural fit for one of cinema's biggest roles.
However, the betting market has changed considerably throughout the Bond search. Turner has previously drifted from favouritism before returning to the top of the market, illustrating just how fluid the race remains.
Henry Cavill is the next name at 3/1. His Bond credentials have been debated for years, and he remains an obvious fan favourite. His experience as a leading man and action star makes the association understandable, although questions surrounding the age profile Amazon wants for the reboot remain relevant.
Lowden's move into third at 5/1 is particularly noteworthy because his latest surge has been accompanied by a specific claim from Richard Osman rather than simply another round of fan speculation.
Who Will be the Next James Bond Actor?
At this stage, there is still no official answer, and even the strongest rumours should be treated with caution.
Jack Lowden is arguably the most interesting name to emerge from the latest round of speculation. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment, Richard Osman said the name he had heard was Lowden and claimed the actor was “definitely being strongly considered”. Crucially, Osman stopped short of saying that Lowden had secured the part.
That distinction is important. The casting process is understood to still be ongoing, with Amazon MGM keen to find an actor capable of establishing a new version of Bond rather than simply attempting to replicate Daniel Craig's interpretation.
Lowden certainly has the acting credentials. His role as River Cartwright in Slow Horses has given him extensive experience playing a character operating within the world of British espionage, while his film credits include Dunkirk and Mary Queen of Scots. He is also set to play Mr Darcy in Netflix's upcoming Pride & Prejudice adaptation.
His Slow Horses connection could provide another interesting link. Casting director Nina Gold, who is overseeing the Bond search, previously worked on the Apple TV+ spy series. Lowden's performance alongside Gary Oldman has also demonstrated that he can combine action, drama and dry British humour - qualities that could translate well to 007.
There is, however, plenty of competition.
Callum Turner remains the betting favourite and has the strongest position in the market. Henry Cavill's long-running association with the role means he cannot be discounted, while Harris Dickinson represents the younger generation of actors who could potentially take the character in a different direction.
That last point could be crucial. Producer Amy Pascal has indicated that the team is being deliberately methodical and wants something “really different” from the Daniel Craig era. The next Bond therefore may not simply be chosen on the basis of who looks most like the traditional image of 007.
The decision also represents a major change in the franchise's history. Amazon MGM now has control over the future direction of Bond after reaching an agreement with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Denis Villeneuve will direct the next film, with Steven Knight writing the script, and the new 007 is expected to be announced before the end of 2026.
For now, Turner remains the man at the top of the betting, but Lowden's sudden rise has added another serious contender to an increasingly unpredictable race.
If Osman is right, Scotland could be about to produce its second James Bond. And with Sean Connery having set the benchmark for Scottish 007s, Lowden would have a formidable legacy to follow.
