Callum Turner KNOCKED OFF top spot in running for 007 role as new frontrunner emerges

The Pointless star revealed on his podcast that it wasn’t Mr Turner who was in the frame for the role, with a source allegedly telling him it’s another British actor being seriously considered.

Speaking to co-host Marina Hyde on The Rest Is Entertainment, Mr Osman said: “Someone told me for definite who the new Bond is the other day, but I mean that’s happened before.

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“The name I’ve heard is Jack Lowden,” he added.

The presenter was quick to temper expectations, however. “It is definitively not a ‘he’s definitely got it’ thing,” he said.

“He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he’d be amazing.”

Mr Osman went on to praise the 36-year-old Scottish actor’s suitability for the part. “Lowden would be an incredible Bond. He’s got real Daniel Craig energy.”

Mr Lowden is widely recognised for portraying MI5 agent River Cartwright in the acclaimed Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses, a role that has given him direct experience playing a British intelligence operative.

His wider filmography spans Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, the thriller Calibre, Fighting with My Family and The Gold.

The actor is also set to take on another beloved literary character, having been cast as Mr Darcy in Netflix’s forthcoming six-part adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which is currently in post-production and expected to arrive later this year.

Mr Osman’s comments have prompted a wave of backing for Mr Lowden and represent a massive blow to Mr Turner’s hopes.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, explained how Mr Lowden has now usurped Mr Turner in the race to replace Daniel Craig.

“There’s a new favourite to take up the role of James Bond next, and it’s Jack Lowden,” he said.

“We’ve seen multiple accounts opened to back the Scottish actor to become the next 007 – in fact, every bet we’ve laid today barring one has been on Lowden, seeing his odds crash from 6/1 into 5/4 favouritism.

“Callum Turner has now drifted to 7/4 second-favourite, with Henry Cavill next at 9/4 whilst Aaron Taylor Johnson is 6/1.”

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Should Mr Lowden land the 007 role, he would become the first Scottish actor to play Bond since Sean Connery, who originated the character across seven films between 1962 and 1971 and returned for Never Say Never Again in 1983.

Other names still in contention include the aforementioned Mr Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi, Jack O’Connell and Louis Partridge.

Fans eager to learn the identity of Mr Craig’s successor may not face a lengthy wait.

Producer Amy Pascal, speaking to Deadline earlier this month, suggested the reveal could come before 2027.

“I would say the end of the year is a good bet,” she said, adding: “We are being really, really methodical.”

She went on: “Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different.”

The forthcoming 007 film has a 2028 theatrical release in its sights, with Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve attached to direct and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight penning the screenplay.

Auditions for the role reportedly commenced in May, with a further round understood to be taking place this month.