Alright, so next up in the rumor mill is Jack Lowden, the relatively under-the-radar actor best known for starring in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses. I’ve never actually watched the series, but its critical acclaim and staying power have certainly put it on my list, particularly with its intriguing premise of underperforming MI5 agents being banished to Slough House (hence, the play on this name for the title) to rehabilitate their careers.

In fact, the concept itself sounds like it could be adapted into a Bond plot, especially a new double-0 agent whose inexperience might shine through. Playing catch-up, I watched the trailer for the show and liked what I saw, and I couldn’t help but notice the nods to James Bond sprinkled throughout, which feels especially appropriate for a show about British intelligence. The song choice of “6 Underground” by Sneaker Pimps was particularly inspired, complete with that unmistakably awesome sample from the Goldfinger soundtrack. Then lo and behold, James Bond villain alum Jonathan Pryce, aka Elliot Carver from Tomorrow Never Dies, makes an appearance as well.

Suddenly, Lowden’s casting feels a little more interesting, and I have to wonder if this could be his equivalent of Daniel Craig’s Layer Cake audition tape for Bond.