James Bond writer Steven Knight has fuelled rumours that the next 007 has already been chosen.
Actor Gary Oldman hit headlines worldwide earlier this week, when he claimed Daniel Craig’s follow-up has been cast.
Asked if he would back his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden for the role, Gary replied during the interview on Canada’s Global: “It’s been rumoured 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.”
As Steven appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today show on Tuesday (08.09.26), questioning inevitably turned to the identity of the new Bond.
However, he said: “I cannot speak about this subject. Much as I would dearly love to.”
Presenter Anna Foster then said that “presumably you know who it is when you’re writing it”, asking Steven if it “make a difference”.
He replied: “It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.”
The host refused to give up, as she said: “So they told you at the beginning before you started writing, or do they tell you halfway through?
Steven could be heard laughing, and told Anna: “I refer you to my previous answer.”
He added: “The thing with Bond is it’s its own universe, and it’s its own franchise. So there are certain rules.
“I mean, obviously you have to move it along, but I love where it sits. I love that it’s British. I love that it’s not DC or Marvel … So I feel a responsibility to the text.”
It was reported over the summer that auditions were taking place for the replacement for 007, while other names on the list including Jack Barton - known for his role in Netflix’s Heartstopper.
There were said to be six actors on the shortlist for the role, with the other four being Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson.
