Gary Oldman Addresses Showrunner Exit and What’s Next for Slow Horses After Season 5

Slow Horses

Slow Horses

Slow Horses Season 5 is here, and Gary Oldman returns as the cranky yet shrewd MI5 leader, Jackson Lamb. However, things are set to change, as showrunner Will Smith will be leaving the series after this season.

So, what does Oldman have to say about it, and what does the future hold for the hit Apple TV+ series?

What Did Gary Oldman Say About Will Smith’s Departure After Slow Horses Season 5?

Slow Horses
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Credit: Apple TV+
Slow Horses

Smith has officially left the production of Slow Horses after Season 5, handing over the reins for the already confirmed Seasons 6 and 7 to Gaby Chiappe and Ben Vanstone.

“Series 5 doesn’t end things by any means,” he told Deadline. “But it concludes certain story arcs that started in Season 1, so it felt like a good moment to hand over the show.”

Having worked with Smith for the past five seasons, Oldman admitted that his departure “took a little getting used to” as they began filming the sixth season.

“He has a real skill, and I had access to Will, so when I was reading earlier drafts of the script while they were still being written, I could text or email him, or get on the phone,” The Dark Knight star told ScreenRant. “That took a little getting used to, because there was an ease and familiarity with him that you don’t have with new people coming in.”

What’s Next for Slow Horses After Will Smith’s Exit?

Slow Horses
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Credit: Apple TV+
Slow Horses

With new showrunners for every new season, the Oldman still give credits to the show’s new writers, saying they’re now “finding their feet” over the next two seasons of Slow Horses.

With its fast-paced production, being a rare series that releases new season every year, the 67-year-old veteran actor revealed filming for Season 6 has already wrapped up while Season 7’s will begin at the end of October.

When that happens, “a new team” will be added. However, he also acknowledges that putting a new season together with other writers “takes a while.”

"It's like anything, you know, hearing the voices of the different characters," Oldman explained. "But I've read the first six early drafts, and they're very good. We've got a great template that we work from, which are the books by Mick Herron, and we really care about the show. We nurse it, we care about the quality of the show."

So, if fans are enjoying the first two episodes of Slow Horses Season 5 that have been released, Oldman teased they would love Season 6 even more, describing it as “very good” and it “delivers well.”

He also revealed the upcoming season would be directed by Adam Randall, who helmed Season 4, adding “if we like someone, we repeat them.”

New episodes of Slow Horses Season 5 releases every Wednesday on Apple TV+.

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