Gary Oldman Clarifies James Bond Comments: He Heard a Rumor the Role Was Cast, But Doesn’t Know Who Got It

The road to finding the next James Bond is in its final stretch, and tension is mounting. Rumors about who was in the running to play the legendary 007 in Denis Villeneuve’s new film were already flying, but they went into overdrive once word of the official shortlist emerged. Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson are all currently attached to the coveted role, with Barton believed by some insiders to be the favorite after emerging from a global search for lesser-known stars. The race then took another sharp turn when Gary Oldman spoke up.

The Oscar winner caused quite a stir over the weekend after an interview with Canadian broadcaster Global in which he addressed his Slow Horses co-star Lowden’s chances and revealed he had heard the next Bond had already been decided upon. “It’s been rumored that he’s on the shortlist,” he said. “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.” His phrasing led to plenty of confusion over whether he meant Amazon MGM had its Bond in general or whether he was specifically saying Lowden was the choice. From there, headlines spread like wildfire.

Now, given the chance to clarify during a Visionaries session at the Toronto International Film Festival hosted by Josh Horowitz, Oldman asserted it was the former, all while joking about how he accidentally became the focus of global attention. “There’s six people on a shortlist,” he said. “I heard a rumor that they’ve picked James Bond, but they haven’t announced it yet, which is their prerogative. So I do not know [who has got the part], but I’m hoping it’s Jack.” For the record, he added that had he actually possessed some “red phone” to contact the Bond team, he would guard that secret with his life. After all, he already knows what it is like to accidentally leak major entertainment news after he “got in a lot of trouble” for revealing there would be a third film in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy.

The New 'James Bond' Is One Step Closer to Filming

When the shortlist came out, word was that screen tests would take place early this month, with all expectations being that the next 007 would be chosen by the end of the year. Amazon MGM has been hunting for a younger actor to play the global super-spy so that they can follow in Daniel Craig’s footsteps and anchor three or four films before the torch is passed. Little is known at this point about Villeneuve’s film, but it just got much closer to reality. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight recently confirmed that the script was complete, meaning the stage is officially set for whoever will carry on the mantle of Ian Fleming’s legendary character.

Stay tuned here at Collider for more news on the next James Bond film as it continues coming together.