Battlefield 1 Actor Jack Lowden in Final Running for James Bond

Did you know that the next James Bond could be someone you've already seen in a video game? That's right—Jack Lowden, the actor who portrayed Lawrence of Arabia in Battlefield 1, is reportedly one of the finalists to take on the iconic role of 007. According to Deadline, final auditions are set to take place over the next week, and they'll include screen tests. At least four actors are in the running, including Lowden, Callum Turner (Masters of the Air), and Josh O'Connor (Disclosure Day). The fourth contender is still a mystery, but The Insneider suggests it could be Jacob Elordi. However, The Hollywood Reporter says Elordi is not testing, and neither is Jack O'Connell from Sinners.

So, what does this mean for Lowden? If he snags the role, he'll become just the second Scottish person to play James Bond, following in the footsteps of Sean Connery. The character himself is Scottish in Ian Fleming's books, so it would be a nice bit of full-circle casting. Lowden is Scottish, and fans have been speculating about who will next don the tuxedo ever since Daniel Craig wrapped up his run with No Time To Die in 2021.

Speaking of No Time To Die, it's been a while since we've had a new Bond film. The movie was originally expected much sooner but faced three delays, partly due to COVID. Now, with Amazon MGM Studios having bought the franchise and reportedly paid a lot to take back creative control from longtime stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the search for the next Bond is officially underway. In May this year, Amazon MGM Studios said the search was on but wouldn't comment on the casting process.

Many expect the casting to be finalized relatively soon, with an official announcement coming before the end of the year. That's exciting news for Bond fans who have been waiting patiently for the next chapter. And with Denis Villeneuve—the Oscar-nominated director behind Dune, Prisoners, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival—set to direct the new film, it's clear the franchise is aiming high.

For gamers, Lowden's potential casting is a fun crossover moment. Battlefield 1 players might remember him as the face of Lawrence of Arabia in the game's campaign, and now he could be stepping into one of the most famous roles in cinema. It just goes to show that talent from the gaming world can end up in Hollywood's biggest spotlights.

Of course, nothing is confirmed yet, and the final auditions will be crucial. With at least four actors testing, the competition is fierce. But Lowden's name being in the mix is certainly turning heads. Will he be the one to order his martini shaken, not stirred? We'll have to wait and see.

What do you think? Are you rooting for Jack Lowden to be the next James Bond? Let us know in the comments!