Gary Oldman Discusses Slow Horses Season 5 and His Approach to Choosing Roles
Gary Oldman, celebrated actor and star of Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, recently opened up about the show’s highly anticipated fourth season and his unique philosophy for selecting roles. Known for his iconic performances in both blockbuster films and critically acclaimed dramas, Oldman revealed that his current approach to acting involves a simple strategy: “by just saying no.”
Reflecting on Slow Horses
In Slow Horses, Oldman plays Jackson Lamb, the brilliant but unorthodox leader of MI5’s Slough House—a dumping ground for disgraced intelligence officers. As the show enters its fourth season, Oldman expressed his enthusiasm for the character, describing Lamb as one of the most complex and entertaining roles of his career.
“The beauty of Jackson Lamb is his depth,” Oldman said. “He’s sharp, unpredictable, and deeply flawed, but there’s an underlying humanity that makes him fascinating to play.” Season 4 is set to delve deeper into Lamb’s past while ramping up the stakes for the Slough House team.
Why “Saying No” Guides His Career
Oldman admitted that, at this stage of his career, his role selection process is more about rejecting projects than pursuing them. “I’ve reached a point where I’m not chasing anything anymore,” he shared. “The key is knowing when to say no, which allows you to focus on the roles that genuinely excite you.”
For Oldman, this approach stems from a desire to avoid burnout and remain passionate about acting. He noted that his decision to be selective comes from years of experience in the industry, where saying yes too often can lead to overcommitment or roles that lack depth.
“I want to make sure that whatever I do is worth the time and effort it takes,” he explained. “That’s why Slow Horses has been such a joy—it’s rare to find material this good.”
Balancing Quality with Longevity
Oldman’s selective process also aligns with his broader career goals. While he has hinted at the possibility of retiring in recent years, he remains committed to delivering high-quality performances. “It’s not about quantity anymore,” he said. “I want to leave behind a body of work that I’m proud of.”
For fans of Slow Horses, this means they can expect Oldman to continue delivering his signature blend of intensity and nuance in Season 4. As the show explores new twists and turns, Oldman’s portrayal of Lamb is set to remain at the heart of its success.
A Legacy of Excellence
From Sid and Nancy to The Darkest Hour, Oldman’s career has been defined by his ability to inhabit a diverse range of characters. With Slow Horses, he has once again proven his versatility, capturing the complexities of a man who operates in the shadows of Britain’s intelligence community.
As Oldman approaches the next chapter of his career, his philosophy of “just saying no” serves as a reminder that restraint can be as powerful as ambition. For now, fans can look forward to seeing him shine in Slow Horses Season 4, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the craft.
