James Bond author Charlie Higson has voiced doubts about Jack Lowden, the current favorite to take on the role of the next 007, calling him an "unconvincing" choice. Higson, who wrote the latest Bond novel King Zero, believes that no matter who is cast, there will be widespread dissatisfaction. He pointed out that even Daniel Craig, who is now widely regarded as one of the best Bonds, faced initial criticism when he was first cast. Craig, who played the character from 2006 to 2021, was initially mocked for his appearance but went on to become a fan favorite and helped redefine the Bond legacy. Jack Lowden, a British actor known for roles in films like The Death of Stalin, is currently the bookmakers' top choice to succeed Craig. However, he faces competition from actors like Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi. Higson has criticized Elordi for being "too tall" and Turner for having "unconventional looks," though he emphasized that the role of Bond should not be gender-flipped. Higson argued that Bond is fundamentally about masculinity and manhood, stating that making the character a woman would not align with the core themes of the franchise. Steven Knight, the screenwriter of the upcoming Bond film, revealed that the actor for the role has already been cast and that he has been writing the script with that actor in mind. Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, Knight said the process involved both creative input and adherence to the established character. He explained that the casting decision was made by producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, along with director Denis Villeneuve. Knight emphasized that the choice was aimed at moving the franchise forward while preserving its British roots. The new Bond film is expected to continue the legacy of the iconic spy, balancing tradition with fresh perspectives. While Higson and others may have their reservations, the producers and screenwriter stress that the decision was made with a clear vision for the future of the series. As the cast and crew prepare for production, fans around the world will be watching closely to see if this new Bond can live up to the expectations of the franchise.