The key facts
- In the Slow Horses season 6 finale, River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) apparently dies from poisoning.
- Lowden is absent from the season 7 teaser; in Mick Herron's novels, River survives poisoning by a slow horse.
- Lowden is considered one of the favorites for the new James Bond role; producer Amy Pascal expects an announcement 'by the end of the year.' Bond 26 is directed by Denis Villeneuve, with release planned for 2028.
Shocking Season Six Finale
The sixth season of Apple TV's spy thriller Slow Horses, based on Mick Herron's novels, ended on a cliffhanger. The season proved bloody: Sturrock Loy (Paul Higgins), J.K. Coe (Tom Brooke) and Emma Flyte (Ruth Bradley) were killed at the hands of a Russian hit squad. The most unexpected moment was the finale: River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), a mainstay of the series since its first season in 2022, prepares to meet his beloved Shirley (Olivia Cooke) at his grandfather's house, sets out wine and glasses — and suddenly collapses, apparently poisoned by residue of the toxin on his hands from the crowbar he had just moved. Gasping, he calls for Shirley, and the screen goes dark.
Hints at the Character's Exit
Lowden does not appear in the season seven teaser shown after the finale. In the clip, Standish (Saskia Reeves) asks Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) about River, to which he sarcastically replies: 'I got a postcard. The weather in the afterlife is lovely. Sunsets to die for. Love you.' Euronews notes that those familiar with Herron's novels know that in the books River survives being poisoned by a slow horse, so the character's appearance in future seasons is possible.
The Bond Context
River's possible exit looks 'convenient' against the backdrop of discussions about the new James Bond: Lowden is one of the favorites to succeed Daniel Craig alongside Callum Turner, Jack Barton and Jacob Elordi. If River is indeed dead, the Scottish actor frees up his schedule. Bond 26 producer Amy Pascal previously said: 'I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We're being very, very methodical. Working with Barbara Broccoli at the studio... Daniel Craig — it's hard to top. And it has to be something really different, exciting and distinct.' In August, Richard Osman said on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast that, according to his information, Lowden is 'being seriously considered' for the Bond role.
What's Next
Lowden is best known for the role of River, as well as his work in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots (2018) and Benediction (2021); at the end of the year he will appear as Mr. Darcy in Netflix's new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Bond 26 will be directed by the Canadian filmmaker and four-time Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve, with the screenplay written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight; filming is expected in 2027, with release in 2028. The seventh season of Slow Horses is due out in autumn 2027. Euronews emphasizes that the link between the finale and the Bond casting is merely speculation.
