Jack Lowden breaks his silence on 'flattering' claims he's 'clear favourite' to play James Bond after final 007 auditions

Jack Lowden has broken his silence on claims he is the 'clear favourite' for the anticipated James Bond role after final auditions took place last month.The Scottish actor, 36, was the subject of his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman's speculation on the role, with Gary saying: 'It’s been rumored that [Jack is] 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.'Speaking to GQ, Jack said: 'On [Gary's comments]… It's all very flattering. It's nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I'm just not really going to add to the noise...'It's very nice, and Gary's a sweetheart – it's particularly lovely, coming from someone like him. But I don't really listen to it.'He added: 'As a young male actor, generally, the minute you're not playing a zany artist type, the minute you're in a suit, people fling it at you.' Jack Lowden has broken his silence on claims he is the 'clear favourite' for the anticipated James Bond role after final auditions took place last month Speaking to GQ, Jack said: 'On [Gary's comments]… It's all very flattering. It's nice to be mentioned – for any role – and I'm just not really going to add to the noise' Last month it was reported that final screen tests took place at Bray Studios in Berkshire, with Jack, Callum Turner and a mystery star auditioning to be the next 007.Jack has been given the clear approval from fans, with the Scottish actor given odds of 8/11 to bag the role, while Callum faces 2/1 odds and all other contenders have been given a less favourable 16/1.Bookies at Ladbrokes told The Sun: 'The Bond race looks to be reaching crunch time and punters are firmly backing Jack Lowden to get the call.'He's already odds-on and the latest speculation has only fuelled support for him, with Callum Turner looking like his biggest threat.'Jack and English actor Josh O'Connor were more recent names to be thrown into the ring along with Australian actor Jacob Elordi, 29, who is believed to have missed out.Confirming that the audition process was reaching an end, Bond producer Amy Pascal in August said: 'I would say the end of the year is a good bet.'Casting by December would allow Amazon MGM Studios to start filming the next movie in 2027.Dune director Denis Villeneuve – who is taking on the project – and bosses at Amazon announced in May that the casting process was under way. He appeared in striking snaps for the next edition of the magazine The Scottish actor, 36, was the subject of his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman's speculation on the role, with Gary saying: 'It’s been rumored that [Jack is] on the shortlist. We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we?' (Gary and Jack pictured in 2022) Callum Turner auditioned to be the next 007 along with a mystery actor at Bray Studios in BerkshireMs Pascal said: 'We are being really, really methodical. 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.'Other stars who were previously linked with the role include The King's Man star Harris Dickinson, along with SAS: Rogue Heroes' Jack Barton.Only six actors have ever played novelist Ian Fleming's British Secret Service agent in the official film series – Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.Jack also discussed his wife Saoirse Ronan, whom he joined in Italy over the summer while she was filming a new movie: 'I'm going to sound a bit soppy... Jack also discussed his wife Saoirse Ronan, whom he joined in Italy over the summer while she was filming a new movie (the couple pictured in 2024) After years of rumours and speculation, it was revealed over the weekend that a final shortlist of stars were performing screen tests to take over from Daniel Craig'But getting to watch her act, in the flesh – that's how we met – is really wonderful. She's so at home doing it.'The couple welcomed their first child in September 2025 and while they have maintained silence over the tot, he said of fatherhood: 'Since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to be a dad, and now I am...'You become aware that you'll watch your kid grow up – sounds morbid – and you think, "Oh my God, I'm in charge of a kid, and I'm still a kid myself".'Read the full feature at GQ Hype here.