Borders star Jack Lowden reportedly in frame for James Bond screen test
Last updated 22 hours ago
Scottish Borders star Jack Lowden is reportedly one of three named actors in the running to become the next James Bond, amid speculation screen tests for the iconic British secret agent role are being held in London this weekend.
The former Earlston High School pupil, who grew up in Oxton, is no stranger to the big screen, with appearances in the likes of Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots and Fighting with My Family.
He was studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow when he first appeared on our televisions in the famous Irn-Bru advert in 2009 - a spoof of High School Musical. He was 18 at the time.
The 36-year-old - who also performed with Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society - has been nominated in the Best Actor (Television) category at next month's Scottish BAFTAs for his role as River Cartwright in the Apple TV spy thriller Slow Horses.
It's said there will be three components to the Bond screen tests: stunts, camera presence and dialogue.
Callum Turner, known for One Night Only, and The Crown actor Josh O’Connor, are also believed to be in the running, according to major American entertainment news website, Deadline.
Contrary to previous rumours, Euphoria actor Jacob Elordi and Sinners star Jack O’Connell are not among those trying out for the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor chosen will replace Daniel Craig, who took over the role of Bond with Casino Royale (2006) and bowed out after his fifth film, No Time To Die (2021).
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Although born in England, if Lowden - highly tipped by bookmakers - were cast, he would become only the second actor from Scotland to play Bond in the official film series, after Edinburgh-born Sean Connery.
It wouldn't surprise his former drama teacher if he was.
Lowden delighted pupils at his former school in Earlston in June 2024, by making a surprise contribution to its production of Singin’ in the Rain.
He appeared in a short video shown at each performance, dressed in evening wear and delivering the opening lines about the advent of talking pictures.
The appearance was a tribute to his former drama teacher, Jeff Thomson, who was retiring after 38 years at the school. Thomson praised Lowden for remembering his roots and joked that he looked like James Bond in his bow tie.
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Amy Pascal, who will produce the next Bond film, told Deadline earlier this year about casting: “I would say (an announcement by) the end of the year is a good bet.
“We are being really, really methodical. Having worked with (producer) 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, exciting and different.”
The next Bond film, currently untitled, will be directed by Dune’s Denis Villeneuve and Harry Potter producer David Heyman will work alongside Pascal on the project.
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