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Next James Bond Odds: A Look At The Leading Contenders To Play 007

6 months ago

| BY Sam Cox

Who will be named as the next James Bond following the departure of Daniel Craig?

Theo James has the shortest next James Bond odds at William Hill. James is trailed by Henry Cavill in the latest online betting markets with Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 5/1.

The topic of the next James Bond has been a hot discussion point for several years. Daniel Craig continued for much longer than many expected, becoming the longest-serving Bond with his tenure stretching from 2006 to 2021. Sean Connery and Roger Moore featured in more Bond films than Craig, however, with seven apiece compared to Craig’s tally of five.

Craig nearly quit before filming No Time To Die. The film was always going to be his last once he committed to it. The years and months since have been dominated by speculation. There is no definite news yet, despite reporting that Amazon are aiming to have the next Bond film on our screens by the end of 2027.

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, long-time Bond producers, have passed the creative control to Amazon.

At the time of the announcement, Broccoli said, “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli.

“I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time To Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”

So, where does this leave us in the search for the next Bond?

The Favourites

Taylor-Johnson was reportedly offered the role of Bond. This has never been confirmed by official outlets, but the action star remains one of the favourites. He showed his acting range as John Lennon and has more than sufficient stunt experience in Avengers, Godzilla, and other movies.

James, the current betting favourite, hasn’t seemed too keen on the role in the past. He is almost a caricature of Bond, as we saw in The Gentleman. If Amazon wants to maintain the status quo, he’s clearly a great option, but we expect them to be slightly bolder in their first Bond pick.

Cavill would be a fan-favourite pick. He nearly became Bond as a 22-year-old in 2005. Like James, he checks all the boxes, but do Amazon want to go with someone so widely associated with other franchise roles? Broccoli and Wilson were looking to go with a younger Bond – maybe Amazon follow that lead and prefer to pick a rising actor rather than someone as established as Cavill.

At 7/1, James Norton is a fascinating candidate. Norton, like the last two Bonds, isn’t a Hollywood superstar. Admired for his TV work and excelling in a wide range of roles, he has the skillset to spend a decade-plus as 007. We like the price at sevens if Amazon are looking for someone to make the role their own.

Outsiders

Paul Mescal has moved in to 16/1. One of the biggest names about at the moment after erupting to stardom with Normal People, Mescal’s candidacy doesn’t seem especially strong unless Amazon really want to rebrand. Does he have the hardman image to succeed Craig?

Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page has drifted from leading candidate to outsider. While he was exceptional in Bridgerton, the role doesn’t exactly scream ‘Next Bond!’.

Josh O’Connor could barely believe he was a potential Bond when it was mentioned by an interviewer. His age – mid-thirties – stands him in good stead if Amazon go down the younger route.

We like Richard Madden as a longshot bet at 20/1. Madden passed the Bond ‘audition’ with flying colours in Bodyguard and Bastille Day, and other roles which have required bravado, charm, and action scenes.