Emmy-nominated Scottish actor Jack Lowden, star of Slow Horses and Dunkirk, has emerged as the 5/4 frontrunner to become the next James Bond, with bookmakers slashing his odds amid casting speculation
Jack Lowden is a celebrated Scottish actor and producer recognised for his prize-winning theatre work, his breakthrough performance in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, and his Emmy-nominated turn as MI5 officer River Cartwright in Apple TV+’s acclaimed espionage drama Slow Horses.
The 36-year-old performer has positioned himself as among Britain’s most adaptable talents spanning theatre, television, and cinema, and has lately become a leading contender reportedly in line to assume the legendary James Bond role. Here we examine his journey from his professional accomplishments to his personal life – including marriage to Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, whom he shares a child with.
Early life and growing up
Lowden was born on June 2, 1990, in Chelmsford, Essex, but spent his formative years in the village of Oxton in the Scottish Borders.
He was brought up with his younger sibling, Calum, who subsequently became a principal ballet dancer for the Royal Swedish Ballet.
Lowden became involved with the Scottish Youth Theatre in Edinburgh aged 10. He subsequently studied at the esteemed Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama), completing his training in 2011.
His career so far
Lowden’s professional journey encompasses remarkable achievements throughout theatre, blockbuster films, and starring television parts.
He earned substantial critical recognition from the outset, securing the Laurence Olivier Award and the Ian Charleson Award in 2014 for portraying Oswald in Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts. Lowden’s breakthrough on the world stage arrived in 2017 when he portrayed RAF fighter pilot Collins in Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning WWII blockbuster Dunkirk.
He has since taken on the role of Morrissey in England is Mine (2017) and poet Siegfried Sassoon in Benediction (2021).
The Scottish actor has also earned numerous Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role alongside Gary Oldman in the highly praised espionage thriller Slow Horses.
Away from acting, Lowden co-founded the production company Arcade Pictures. He served as producer on the widely acclaimed film adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir, The Outrun (2024), which starred his wife Saoirse Ronan.
Current and upcoming projects
Lowden is set to portray the iconic Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy in Netflix’s star-studded 2026 six-part adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, playing opposite Emma Corrin.
He is also currently filming a leading role as police officer Bernie Gunther in Apple TV+’s forthcoming crime thriller series Berlin Noir, alongside Colin Firth.
Home life
In July 2024, Lowden wed his long-term partner, four-time Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. The pair first met on the set of Mary Queen of Scots in 2018, where they played husband and wife on screen.
The couple welcomed their first child in 2025, though they have chosen to keep both the name and gender private. A vocal advocate for Scottish independence, he lives in the Scottish Borders.
He’s also an avid football enthusiast, backing his local side Broxburn Athletic FC.
Social media presence
Lowden maintains an active presence on Instagram through his account, where he’s currently posted over 460 times for his 257,000 followers.
The actor utilises his platform as a mixture of professional updates, creative content, and local campaigning. His feed generally showcases behind-the-scenes glimpses from his acting work, content about Scottish advocacy and community matters, and artistic and cinematic photography.
Lowden also periodically posts updates on ventures featuring his wife, Saoirse Ronan, especially the films they jointly produce under their company Arcade Pictures, including The Outrun.
James Bond rumours
Lowden has recently emerged as a leading contender to portray James Bond after media figure Richard Osman suggested he possesses insider information that the actor is being “strongly considered” for the legendary 007 part.
After these remarks, leading bookmakers such as William Hill reduced Lowden’s odds from 6/1 to a 5/4 favourite, triggering widespread speculation throughout the entertainment world.
Lowden is already a highly regarded figure in the spy genre, which significantly strengthens his credentials for the part. The hunt for Daniel Craig’s replacement has been underway since 2021’s No Time to Die.
Franchise bosses and Amazon MGM Studios are said to be adopting an extremely careful strategy to reimagining the character.
While other prominent contenders such as Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Henry Cavill continue to feature strongly in bookmakers’ rankings, Lowden’s unexpected surge has entirely transformed the conversation.
Producers have previously suggested that an official casting reveal might emerge before the close of 2026, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve scheduled to direct the forthcoming film.
