Screenwriter Steven Knight has revealed that the next James Bond has been cast, admitting he has been writing the 26th film with the incoming 007 in mind. The announcement follows intense industry speculation and casting rumors surrounding the franchise’s transition under Amazon MGM Studios.
The secretive machinery behind the spy franchise has shifted into gear. Following recent claims from Gary Oldman that the role of 007 has finally been filled, screenwriter Steven Knight acknowledged during a media appearance that knowing the identity of the next lead actor has shaped his approach to the script.
Steven Knight Confirms Casting While Stonewalling Identity
Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday (8 September), the Peaky Blinders creator faced direct questions about the film’s lead while playfully stonewalling inquiries regarding who had secured the part. Knight admitted that the writing process changed once the choice was finalized.
When pressed on the exact timeline of when he was informed of the casting decision, Knight squirmed and laughed. He simply stated: I’ll refer you to my previous answer.
Knight added that he felt like he was doing my duty for King and country
by taking on Ian Fleming’s spy franchise for Amazon MGM Studios.
Gary Oldman Sparks Speculation Around Jack Lowden
The latest wave of excitement began over the weekend when Gary Oldman asserted in an interview with Canada’s Global that producers had locked in their choice for the British spy. Oldman used the moment to throw his support behind his Slow Horses co-star, Jack Lowden, who has in recent weeks emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to play the role.
“It’s been rumored that he’s on the shortlist. We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack.”
While Lowden remains a prominent favorite, other mooted frontrunners for the part include rising star Jack Barton (Heartstopper), Callum Turner (One Night Only), Jacob Elordi (Wuthering Heights), and Harris Dickinson (Babygirl). Deadline reported over the summer that auditions were taking place for James Bond in August. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, as well as Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve — who will direct the film — informed talent who had been shortlisted. However, casting director Debbie McWilliams previously noted in June that it is absolutely essential that [Bond] retains a total enigma,
adding that she does not want to see actors like Elordi and Turner because audiences now know so much about them.
Amazon MGM Studios Prepares for a Franchise Reboot
The upcoming film marks a major turning point for the property as the first Bond film since long-time producer Barbara Broccoli handed the keys for the Aston Martin over to Amazon. Knight emphasized that he feels a responsibility to author Ian Fleming’s source material, noting that Bond is its own universe and franchise that is British and not DC or Marvel.
Production timelines indicate that the new film is not expected to start shooting until Villeneuve has released Dune: Part 3 in December. The last Bond film to be produced was 2021’s No Time to Die, which served as Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as the spy, and the 26th film will reboot the franchise with a new actor in the lead role.
