James Bond writer Steven Knight hints new 007 has already been chosen

Gary Oldman backed Jack Lowden as Bond, while Knight hinted the mystery actor influenced his screenplay

Steven Knight has added fresh fuel to the growing mystery surrounding the next James Bond, suggesting he knows which actor has been chosen to succeed Daniel Craig.

The Peaky Blinders creator, who is writing the 26th James Bond film, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on September 8 and was pressed about recent claims that producers have already settled on the new 007. Rather than confirming or denying the casting, Knight gave an unusually revealing response about his writing process.

Asked whether knowing the identity of the actor made writing the screenplay easier, Knight said it did. He explained that having knowledge of the performer can help with the writing, although he stressed that the character still has to come first.

“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,” Knight said.

The exchange has intensified speculation because it came shortly after Gary Oldman made his own striking claim about the Bond casting. Oldman, who stars alongside Jack Lowden in Slow Horses, said the decision had already been made and publicly backed his co star for the role.

“They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet,” Oldman said during an interview with Canada’s The Morning Show. He added that his “fingers are crossed for Jack”.

Lowden has emerged as one of the strongest names in the increasingly intense Bond conversation. The Scottish actor has been linked to the role alongside Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson and Jack Barton. Lowden’s position became particularly notable after Richard Osman said the actor was the name he had heard was strongly being considered.

However, Knight’s comments do not amount to an official confirmation that Lowden has secured the part. The identity of Daniel Craig’s successor remains unannounced by Amazon MGM, meaning the actor mentioned most frequently in speculation cannot yet be described as the confirmed new James Bond.

The upcoming film is being directed by Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune and Dune: Part Two, with Knight handling the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the project. It will mark a major new chapter for the franchise following Craig’s five film run, which concluded with No Time to Die in 2021.

Knight also spoke about the responsibility of taking on Ian Fleming’s famous spy character, describing Bond as a world with its own rules and identity. He said he wanted to respect the character while helping the franchise move forward.

For now, the mystery remains officially intact. Oldman says a choice has been made, Knight appears to know who that choice is, and Lowden remains one of the names at the centre of the speculation. Until Amazon MGM announces the actor, however, the next 007 remains officially unknown.