Saoirse Ronan Speaks Out on Jack Lowden Becoming the Next James Bond

Saoirse Ronan has addressed speculation that her husband, the Scottish actor Jack Lowden, could become the next James Bond. Her comments came after Gary Oldman, who stars alongside Lowden in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, said the actor had reportedly been on a shortlist considered for the role of 007. Speaking to the Associated Press, Ronan acknowledged Oldman's remarks but stopped short of confirming whether Lowden had been selected. “Gary thinks he's James Bond,” Ronan said when asked about the rumours. She indicated that the speculation has little impact on their daily life. “We're kind of getting on with our life, to be honest. We have plenty of other things to be dealing with,” Ronan said, adding that walking their dog and making dinner are currently bigger priorities in their household. Gary Oldman and a string of headline-making comments Jack Lowden appears opposite Gary Oldman in Slow Horses, the Apple TV+ spy series adapted from Mick Herron's novels. That shared screen time gave Oldman's comments extra weight in the international press. Oldman first fuelled the speculation in September when he appeared on Canada's The Morning Show. He said Lowden was rumoured to be on the shortlist and suggested a decision may already have been made. The remark spread quickly across film news outlets, since any information about Daniel Craig's successor draws a large readership. Oldman later clarified his remarks during a panel at the Toronto International Film Festival. He said he had heard that the next Bond had been chosen but did not know which actor had secured the part. He also said he hoped the role would go to Lowden. That half-open statement pushed the story further, because it confirmed the casting process had reached its final stage while leaving the identity of the chosen actor unknown. Saoirse Ronan: dog walks and dinner come first Ronan's response is seen as the first official word from the actor's family. She neither denied nor confirmed the rumour, instead cooling the story with everyday details. The approach fits the Irish actor's well-known preference for privacy. Ronan and Lowden met while working on the 2026 film Mary Queen of Scots. They later married and have rarely spoken publicly about their marriage. By mentioning small tasks such as walking the dog or preparing dinner, Ronan signalled that the couple are trying to keep life normal under international media pressure. Meanwhile, Ronan's own career continues to develop with projects praised by critics. She is one of the most celebrated young actors of her generation and a frequent Oscar nominee. Being drawn into the Bond casting story shows the enduring media pull of the 007 brand after more than six decades. Who is Jack Lowden? Jack Lowden was born in Scotland and first drew attention on stage before moving into film. His credits include Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots and Benediction, and he is best known to a wide audience for playing River Cartwright in Slow Horses. In Slow Horses, his character is a talented young intelligence officer banished to MI5's backwater department after a mission goes wrong. The role has given him a natural connection to spy fiction, a useful advantage if he is genuinely under consideration for James Bond. Still, playing a spy on television does not automatically make an actor a frontrunner. Hollywood has seen many cases of performers being defined by a single role and struggling to move into a major franchise. The shortlist and the commercial calculation Besides Jack Lowden, several other actors have been linked to the role, including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Harris Dickinson. Each name represents a different approach from the producers. Callum Turner offers a classic screen presence and experience in war and period films. Jacob Elordi represents a younger generation with a strong social media following. Tom Holland brings a vast fan base from Spider-Man but a crowded schedule could be an obstacle. Aaron Taylor-Johnson was once seen as the strongest candidate. Harris Dickinson is admired for his acting range but has less commercial reach. Casting James Bond is not only an artistic decision. It is a commercial decision for an entire brand, where the actor must sign multi-film contracts, take part in global promotion and be tied to the character for years. That is why the process is usually long and kept highly confidential. Amazon MGM takes control of the Bond brand A key change in the current landscape is that Amazon MGM gained full creative control of the James Bond character and related intellectual property in February 2026. The move marked a major shift for a brand long associated with the Broccoli family. A major streaming platform taking charge of a traditional film franchise opens up new scenarios. Bond could appear in online projects, television series or expanded content. It also raises questions about whether casting standards will shift towards greater commercialisation. Amazon MGM has not announced its choice for the next Bond. The silence gives rumours room to grow, since any comment from people inside the industry is interpreted as a signal about the final decision. Denis Villeneuve to direct, Steven Knight to write On the production side, Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the upcoming James Bond film, while Steven Knight is writing the screenplay. The pairing is highly regarded, with Villeneuve known for large-scale science fiction films and Knight for tightly structured scripts. The combination suggests the producers are aiming for a cinematic Bond with psychological depth and a distinctive visual style. Choosing a director and writer before finalising the actor is a common approach, ensuring the character is built to suit the tone of the film. Why is Hollywood still silent? There are several reasons the producers have not announced Daniel Craig's successor. First, an early announcement could subject the actor to years of scrutiny before the film is released. Second, multi-film contracts require complex negotiations over schedules, fees and image rights. Third, major brands often use the speculation period to sustain public attention. Daniel Craig played James Bond across several films from 2026 to 2026. After his departure, the franchise entered its longest recent transition period. Each time a new name surfaces, the market gets another cycle of debate. A view from Vietnamese audiences In Vietnam, James Bond is one of the most familiar international film brands. Bond releases are usually promoted widely in cinemas and draw steady ticket sales. The question of who will play 007 is therefore a lively topic on local film forums. For Vietnamese audiences, a less famous actor such as Jack Lowden could be an intriguing choice, echoing the gamble the franchise once took on Daniel Craig before he was widely known. By contrast, names such as Tom Holland or Jacob Elordi would bring instant media attention but also enormous expectations from younger viewers. Whatever the outcome, the final answer rests with Amazon MGM. Until an official announcement is made, comments such as those from Saoirse Ronan and Gary Oldman will keep feeding the speculation. And for Ronan, the most important thing right now is probably not the identity of the next James Bond, but the dinner waiting to be cooked at home.