Bookmakers Name Jack Lowden Favorite To Play James Bond, A Role Our Critic Has Already Reviewed

THE BALCONY OF A MOVIE THEATER THAT STILL HAS ONE — The bookmakers have spoken, which is more than can be said for the studio.

Jack Lowden is the 8/13 favourite to be the next James Bond, according to Oddschecker, as final screen tests for the 26th film get under way in London. Odds of 8/13 imply roughly a 62 percent chance. I have seen films with worse odds of being finished.

Lowden had slipped to joint favourite for a few weeks, level at 1/1 with Callum Turner of the Fantastic Beasts films. Turner’s odds shortened after his recent marriage to Dua Lipa, because that is apparently how casting works now. Josh O’Connor is also reported to be among the final four. The fourth name has not been reported, which is the most suspense this franchise has generated in some time.

Lowden’s case was helped in September by his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman, who said, “they have picked him.” Mr. Oldman is a fine actor and, as of this writing, not a casting director.

I would like to be clear about my position, since readers ask. I have never liked a sequel. This would be the 26th entry in a series. I have reviewed it already, in advance, on the grounds that I know how it ends. A man in a good suit orders a drink very specifically. Something explodes behind him. He does not turn around. Two stars.

Mr. Lowden is a capable actor and I wish him well in the screen test. I would wish him better in a film with a number lower than 26.

In fairness to the bookmakers, they have been more forthcoming than anyone involved in the actual production. The odds come with a percentage, a date and a source. The studio has given us a screen test and a mood.

I will see it opening weekend. I always do. That is the arrangement.