British actor and James Bond frontrunner steps out on Emmys red carpet amid major 007 casting rumours
Jack Lowden walked the red carpet at the 78th Emmy Awards on Monday evening, arriving at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles as one of the most talked-about actors in the industry right now.
The Scottish star’s appearance came against the backdrop of speculation about who will next portray James Bond, with Mr Lowden widely reported to be among the leading candidates for the role.
His Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses secured nominations at this year’s ceremony, with co-star Gary Oldman recognised in the lead acting category alongside fellow British nominees Matthew Rhys, Riz Ahmed and Rufus Sewell.
The 78th Emmy Awards, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, take place at the Peacock Theater in LA.
Jack Lowden arrived at the Emmy Awards on Monday night
|
GETTY
The Bond furore hit new heights this month when Mr Lowden’s Slow Horses co-star Mr Oldman claimed that the franchise’s producers had settled on their next 007.
“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack,” he said earlier this month.
However, appearing at the Toronto International Film Festival last week, the Oscar winner insisted his remarks had been twisted.
“A Canadian journalist asked me about Jack Lowden and the James Bond connection. I did not bring this up. I did not offer this up,” Mr Oldman told Deadline, claiming that the media had rearranged his words to create misleading headlines.
Jack Lowden is the frontrunner to land the role of 007 with several bookmakers
|
GETTY
During a separate TIFF session, he stated plainly: “I do not know [who has got the part], but I’m hoping it’s Jack.” He joked that reporters had made it seem as though he had a direct line to director Denis Villeneuve.
Speaking alongside his castmates, he told the publication: “We’re rooting for him, aren’t we?”
Mr Oldman’s comments came just weeks after entertainment podcast host Richard Osman claimed he had been tipped off that Mr Lowden was being eyed for the role.
Steven Knight, the Peaky Blinders creator tasked with penning the screenplay for the next Bond film, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme last week where he refused to confirm or deny whether the role had been filled.
Jack Lowden is best known for his roie in Slow Horses
|
GETTY
“I cannot speak about this subject. Much as I would dearly love to,” Mr Knight said with a laugh, adding that he felt he was “doing my duty for King and country” by taking on Ian Fleming’s spy franchise.
When presenter Anna Foster suggested he must surely know the identity of the lead actor while writing the script, Mr Knight conceded: “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.”
Pushed further on when he was told, Mr Knight simply chuckled: “I refer you to my previous answer.”
According to reports, six actors have been assembled on a shortlist for the coveted role: Jack Barton, Mr Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson.
Jack Lowden on the Emmys red carpet
|
GETTY
Auditions reportedly took place in August, with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, alongside Mr Villeneuve, informing the shortlisted talent.
The Bond franchise has historically favoured relatively unknown performers, with Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton and Daniel Craig all lacking widespread fame when they first stepped into the tuxedo.
Amazon MGM Studios has declined to confirm any of the reported candidates, pointing to a May statement declaring that the search for the next 007 was under way.
Comments are closed.