Gary Oldman Elaborates on Retiring After “Slow Horses”: ‘I’m Probably Not Ready Yet’ (Exclusive)

In a recent development, Gary Oldman reflected on his previous comments regarding retirement from acting, initially made in 2022. The distinguished actor had stated that he could foresee retirement being “on the horizon” and expressed his honour at the prospect of Jackson Lamb being his final role in the acclaimed series *Slow Horses*. His remarks at that time raised eyebrows, considering Oldman is celebrated for his illustrious career in film.

Speaking with PEOPLE ahead of the sixth season of *Slow Horses*, which premieres on 16th September, Oldman elaborated on his thoughts regarding his future in the industry. “I said that in part because I was enjoying — obviously, I enjoy playing the role — but I liked the company of the people,” he explained, referring to his fondness for the cast and crew. His affection for the team solidified his enjoyment of the role, making the notion of saying goodbye all the more poignant.

Oldman, now 68, reminisced about his comments and acknowledged that four years have passed since he made them. With seven seasons of *Slow Horses* under his belt — including filming for seasons six and seven in tandem — the actor remains unsure of his immediate plans for retirement. “I did a play since then, so there we are. I’m probably not ready yet. So we’ll see what the future holds,” he said, suggesting that he still has more stories to tell.

The character of Jackson Lamb, derived from Mick Herron’s *Slough House* book series, has resonated deeply with Oldman. He described Lamb as a complex individual who, despite his rough exterior and disdainful attitude, shows unwavering loyalty to his team of MI5 misfits. “When it hits the fan, he would take a bullet for them,” Oldman remarked, shedding light on the character’s redeeming qualities hidden beneath his slovenly façade.

While reflecting on his portrayal, Oldman noted certain traits that he sees within himself, such as his close-knit circle of friends that he has maintained for decades. “I have a small nucleus of friends, very small, that I’ve known for a very long time,” he shared, likening these connections to Lamb’s loyalty to his team. However, he was quick to clarify that he differs greatly from his character, joking, “I did shower this morning. I did wash my hair,” in reference to Lamb’s unkempt appearance.

The unique vices of Jackson Lamb serve to enhance his appeal, as Oldman posited. “He does all those things that… I think that’s why we like him, isn’t it? Because we’re told that we can’t do this, we have to eat this, we can’t drink, we can’t smoke, and he does all those things. He’s a junk food addict too,” he laughed, underscoring the character’s rebellious nature which captivates audiences.

As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, they can expect a riveting narrative woven from the sixth and seventh books of Herron’s series. The stakes are set to escalate dramatically, with Jackson and his team navigating a “fatally high-stakes game of retaliation and revenge,” as described in the official synopsis.

The sixth season will not only see the return of Oldman but also features an impressive ensemble cast, including Olivia Cooke, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Hugo Weaving among others. As the series unfolds, viewers can look forward to weekly episodes released on Apple TV until 21st October.

With the cloud of retirement looming over Oldman, he remains focused on his current role and the camaraderie he shares with his fellow cast members. The road ahead may be uncertain, but for now, he continues to relish the complexities of portraying Jackson Lamb in *Slow Horses*, a role that has added a remarkable chapter to his storied career.