The next 007 could be right around the corner, and bookies have a new ‘red hot’ favourite they think is more likely to step into those shoes.
Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, James Norton, and Line of Duty’s Martin Compston are still in the mix but one actor has pulled ahead.
Callum Turner, who is engaged to Dua Lipa, is the new favourite to take over the coveted role, which has been vacant since Daniel Craig’s exit in 2021.
The Eternity star, 35, has been mentioned as a contender for a while but his recent role as Elizabeth Olsen’s romantic interest has reignited rumours.
After a surge of betting over the last 24 hours, Coral bookmakers have slashed the British actor’s odds to 7-4 (from 5-2) for the role.
‘We’ve been knocked over with support for Callum Turner in our next James Bond betting over the last 24 hours. The British actor is now the red-hot favourite for the role,’ said Coral’s John Hill.
The future of Bond has been a little up in the air after Amazon MGM Studios took over the franchise with Barbara Broccoli stepping away.
A new instalment is confirmed to be in the works with Dune director Denis Villeneuve and Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight attached.
Coral’s current odds have Kickass icon Aaron and White Lotus star Theo are second in line at 3-1, with Henry Caviil at 6-1.
Other favourites are 10-1 on Anthony Boyle, 12-1 for Harris Dickinson, 16-1 for Jack Lowden, and 16-1 on James Norton.
Regé-Jean Page recently reemerged after months of flying under the radar, but kept his cards very close to his chest.
‘Its not something I’ve thought about very much,’ he told Entertainment Tonight of the rumours.
He explained: ‘I’m a bit of a racehorse; I focus intensely on what’s in front of me and then go back to the stables and go back to sleep.’
It’s not just new actors being asked about the beloved franchise, even stars that have already had their martinis shaken not stirred are batting away rumours.
In an interview for the GQ Men of the Year, former 007 Pierce Brosnan put to rest any rumours that he could return… as Bond that is.
‘Of course, people ask about Bond – “would you?” and whatever – but that’s another man’s job,’ he said.
‘But the possibilities of working within that film, entertaining… So it’s going to be exciting to see what happens.’
Deadline confirmed that Villeneuve is looking for three things in the next 007: a man, a Brit, and an unknown, effectively ruining the bookies’ odds of the who’s who of major names in Hollywood.
While the exact plan is unknown, it’s likely anyone who signs up will be locked in for a fair few years — but maybe not as long as Daniel’s almost 20-year tenure.
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