Slow Horsesstar Gary Oldman explains how he ended up in the hit series, and it involved wanting a change from some of his movie roles. Based on the book series by Mick Herron, the Apple TV+ espionage show premiered in 2022, chronicling the misadventures of a team of misfit MI5 agents. Oldman leads theSlow Horsescastas Jackson Lamb, the head of the Slough House division who is known for the unique combination of a slovenly demeanor and appearance combined with the sharp tactical mind of a veteran spy.
During a recent interview onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Oldman tells the story of howSlow Horses"fell from the sky" and proved to be everything he wanted in a role. After Colbert pointed out the similarities between Oldman’s and Lamb’s speaking voices, the actor explains that not having to do an accent was part of what drew him to the role in the first place.
In fact, Oldman says,he wanted to avoid a number of aspects of the type of work he’s been doing in film for decades, including having to wear a great deal of makeup. Check out the exchange between Colbert and Oldman below:
Colbert: “You sound like Jackson Lamb. Jackson Lamb is an amplified version of your voice.”
Oldman: “Yeah, it’s Gary with a bit of English on it.”
Colbert: “Is this the character that is closest to your natural speaking voice?”
Oldman: “Yeah.”
Colbert: “Did you go into it knowing you were going to do that or was it something you discovered?”
Oldman: “It’s something I discovered. There’s a story here, how it really all came about. I have a sort of manager, producing partner, Douglas Evanski, and I’ve been a fan of long-form TV. And I would look sometimes with envy and admiration for these shows. Best directing, best cinematography, some of the best writing, certainly the best acting. Far better than what we’re mostly seeing on the big screen.
“So here’s this golden age of television. And I said to him, ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely to just sort of do a show and repeat a character?’ I said, ‘But it would have to be very well written, of a high pedigree.’
“I said, ‘I don’t really want to wear a wig. I’ve worn too many wigs. I don’t want to wear prosthetic makeup because I’ve worn too much of that. So I don’t want to sit in a makeup chair for very long. I don’t want a big, elaborate costume. I want something that’s kind of easy. I don’t really want to do an accent, I’d like something close to my own voice. Oh, and if it could be in the spy world, you know, like le Carré or something, that would be even better.
“And then we’re sitting on a plane together and he’s chuckling over a script he’s reading. I said, ‘What are you laughing at? Is it that good?’ He said, ‘I’m reading a character who is just about to become your best friend.’ And it fell from the sky and ticked all the boxes. It’s ridiculous."
What Gary Oldman’s Performance Means For Slow Horses
The Apple TV+ Show Has Been Consistently Acclaimed
Apple TV+ has a handful of acclaimed and popular shows, andSlow Horsesis certainly among them. The series has been consistently praised since its debut in 2022, and Oldman’s performance as Lamb is one major reason for this.Oldman has been nominated for a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild award, among others, with Lamb providing both humor and a backbone for much of the show’s spycraft and action.
Gary Oldman’s Slow Horses Wish Is Great For The Show’s Future After Season 5
Gary Oldman has appeared in three seasons of Slow Horses so far, and if the legendary actor gets his way, he’ll be starring in many more.
As seen in the chart below,eachSlow Horsesseason has been remarkably well-receivedby both critics and audiences, at least on Rotten Tomatoes. This is evidently translating into viewership success, as not only isSlow Horsesseason 5confirmed to be on the way, but a season 6 has also been announced. There are eight books in Harron’s novel series and season 6 is confirmed to adapt books six and seven,Joe CountryandSlough House. It’s possible that at least one more season will get the green light to complete all the books.
1
95%
88%
2
100%
3
98%
4
86%
Our Take On Oldman’s Slow Horses Performance
Jackson Lamb Is The Perfect Character For Oldman
Oldman is no stranger to accents. He adopted an American accent forChristopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogyand for Matt Reeves’Dawn of the Planet of the Apes(2014), among many others. He has also done several roles that required a lot of makeup or prosthetics, including, of course, his turn as Winston Churchill inDarkest Hour(2017). Though Oldman is undoubtedly adept at truly transforming his voice and appearance,it has been refreshing to see him as Jackson Lamb inSlow Horsesbecause of just how effortless the character appears to befor him.
Oldman has previously revealed that he will continue to play his slovenlySlough House spyfor as long as Apple keeps renewingSlow Horses,meaning there are at least few years of the show and the character still to come. Though Oldman will hopefully continue to transform himself for future movie roles,Slow Horsesis evidently the perfect project for him at this stage of his career.
