Jack Lowden, the acclaimed Scottish actor currently captivating audiences as River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, is reportedly a leading contender to step into the iconic role of James Bond. With Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007 concluded, speculation is rife about who will inherit the legendary spy’s license to kill, and Lowden’s name is frequently mentioned among the front-runners.
From Slough House to MI6: A Surprising Trajectory
The contrast between Lowden’s current on-screen persona and the suave, sophisticated world of James Bond is stark. In Slow Horses, he plays River Cartwright, a once-promising MI5 agent relegated to the administrative purgatory of Slough House, a dumping ground for disgraced intelligence officers. His character’s journey is one of redemption amidst the mundane and often chaotic operations overseen by the gruff Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman. This gritty, character-driven espionage drama, based on Mick Herron’s novels, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following, with its sixth season set to premiere on September 16.
However, behind the scenes, Lowden himself is reportedly being highly regarded by executives at Amazon, which now holds creative control over the James Bond franchise following its acquisition of MGM. Sources suggest that Lowden is seen as a strong candidate to become the seventh actor to portray 007, potentially bringing a fresh, Scottish identity to the role, echoing Sir Sean Connery’s original portrayal.
Navigating a Potential Franchise Clash
The prospect of Lowden taking on the mantle of James Bond, however, is complicated by his existing commitment to Slow Horses. Insiders suggest that a direct conflict could arise if Lowden were to simultaneously star in two major spy franchises. An anonymous source reportedly commented, “It is literally impossible for an actor to play two British spies almost simultaneously. You can’t have two franchises and two spies but just one face.” This situation sets the stage for a potential battle of wills between Apple, the producer of Slow Horses, and Amazon, the steward of the Bond legacy.
The race to become the next James Bond is understood to have narrowed down to a select group of actors, with Lowden consistently mentioned alongside names such as Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Paul Mescal, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The intense competition and the high stakes involved are said to be reminiscent of a classic Bond thriller.
Lowden’s Versatility and Rising Stardom
Director Saul Metzstein, who helmed episodes of Slow Horses, has expressed his belief in Lowden’s suitability for the role. “Lowden would make a fantastic James Bond,” Metzstein stated. “He is getting better and better. The key to James Bond is his wit and Jack has that lightness.” This sentiment is echoed by industry observers who point to Lowden’s burgeoning career, marked by a string of successful projects and a compelling on-screen presence.
Lowden’s performances have earned him nominations for prestigious awards, including Golden Globe, Emmy, and Bafta TV Awards for his work in Slow Horses. He also received praise for his portrayal of Kenneth Noye in the BBC drama The Gold, which chronicled the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery. His acting portfolio also includes roles in major Hollywood productions such as Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and the 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots.
Early Life and Influences
Lowden’s journey into acting began far from the glitz of Hollywood. Raised in the Scottish Borders, he initially harbored dreams of becoming a professional footballer. His early artistic endeavors included ballet classes, a pursuit he initially found challenging but ultimately led him to the stage. He was deeply involved in musical theatre during his school years, performing in productions like Guys and Dolls and Oklahoma!.
His fascination with classic British television comedies, such as Only Fools and Horses and Dad’s Army, also played a significant role in shaping his comedic timing and understanding of character. Lowden pursued formal acting training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His first on-screen appearance was in an Irn-Bru advert that humorously referenced High School Musical, a clip that has become a recurring source of amusement among film crews he encounters.
A pivotal moment in his career was his starring role in the National Theatre of Scotland’s acclaimed production of Black Watch, a play that toured internationally and garnered significant attention. Transitioning to screen work, Lowden found the experience different from theatre, describing film sets as having a “pedestrian element” compared to the immediate energy of live performance.
Personal Life and Scottish Roots
Lowden met his wife, Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan, on the set of Mary Queen of Scots. Despite their high-profile careers and their recent welcoming of a child, the couple maintains a relatively private life, dividing their time between homes in Scotland, Ireland, and London. Lowden has expressed a strong desire to produce and film more projects in his native Scotland, aiming to contribute to the country’s burgeoning film industry.
His connection to Scotland is deeply personal, and he shares a sentimental inclination towards Scottish independence, a sentiment famously held by Sir Sean Connery. While Lowden remains tight-lipped about his Bond aspirations, his wife has openly expressed interest in playing a Bond villain. As Lowden’s star continues to rise, his potential to embody the next James Bond remains a compelling prospect in the world of cinema.
