If Ronan were to join the likes of Lenya and Marceau, it remains unclear whether she would be plotting against her husband.
Slow Horses actor Lowden, who met Ronan on the set of Mary Queen of Scots, has long been in the running to take over from Daniel Craig, and has recently emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite.
Earlier this month, Amy Pascal, the producer, said it was “a good bet” that a decision on Daniel Craig’s successor would be made by the end of the year.
Pascal, who is producing the next iteration of the spy franchise for Amazon MGM Studios, said: “Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow.
“And it’s got to be something really different that is stirring, exciting and different.”
Screen tests for Craig’s successor are expected to take place in the next few weeks.
In addition to Lowden, the names understood to be on the shortlist include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson.