Top contenders for new James Bond revealed

Because the seek for the subsequent 007 goes on, a brand new contender has taken pole place.

Hordes of names to play the 007 legend have been floated however based on one betting web site – there may be now a really robust entrance runner.

Ladbrokes says the brand new prime contender for the long-lasting position is none apart from Theo James.

They mentioned: “The newest ‘subsequent James Bond odds’ launched by Ladbrokes have revealed an enormous change on the head of the betting.

“Ladbrokes’ marketplace for the subsequent James Bond has been shaken and stirred, with Theo James now extra possible than anybody has ever been to switch Daniel Craig.

Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes mentioned on the corporate’s web site: “Henry Cavill’s return to the top of the Bond betting didn’t final lengthy, with Theo James as brief as anybody has been to select up the world’s most well-known licence to kill.”

With the departure of longtime producers — and Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios — the seek for a brand new actor to painting the legendary superspy is intensifying.

Stories recommend that 007 will bear a major transformation, taking the character again a number of many years.

Actor Daniel Mays mentioned the franchise would return with a “very younger” new star and an “origins” movie.

Throughout an look on the We’re Not Getting Any Youthful podcast, he mentioned: “Bond is a giant deal proper, that going to Amazon … I heard a hearsay they’re going to forged somebody very younger and go type of again to the origins.

“They’re going to type of ’60s, you’re going to have all of the retro automobiles and that type of stuff — and begin once more. I believe that might be type of cool.”

So, who’re the contenders to tackle the famend position of the subsequent Bond?

Whereas James has, for now, doused any remaining sparks of Bond rumours, we’re not prepared to surrender.

Not solely is he the precise age for the position, however his performances as roguish, morally ambiguous characters in Mike White’s The White Lotus and Man Ritchie’s The Gents make him a super candidate—excellent coaching for getting into the footwear of 007.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson already has a style for motion, starring in fast-paced movies together with the Kick-Ass franchise and Marvel’s Avengers. So, it’s no shock that hypothesis has been following the actor over changing into the subsequent Bond.

He reportedly met producers and impressed them throughout a secret audition after Daniel Craig’s exit in 2021. It appears he’s solely solidified his probabilities, having filmed the memorable “gun-barrel teaser footage” and emerged as a front-runner. Puck Information’s Matthew Belloni reported that sources mentioned Taylor-Johnson ticked all of the containers, although his upcoming roles in Kraven the Hunter and The Fall Man might probably jeopardise his probabilities.

There was appreciable hypothesis that Josh O’Connor might be the subsequent James Bond. Of the rumours, he advised Deadline: “The reality is that … I believe within the area of per week, I made a joke about, wouldn’t it’s humorous if I performed Bond? Then, me and Daniel [Craig] did an Actors on Actors, after which one thing else occurred, and all of the sudden I used to be James Bond. If I’m Bond, I don’t find out about it.”

The 34-year-old British actor could be a wonderful selection. He’s had an unimaginable 2024, receiving widespread reward for his efficiency within the Golden Globe-nominated movie Challengers, the place he starred alongside Zendaya and Mike Faist.

Lucien Laviscount, the British actor recognized for his standout roles in Emily in Paris and Dying in Paradise, addressed the rumours in 2024 that he could be the subsequent actor to play Bond.

Showing on Good Morning Britain, Laviscount mentioned: “If the Bond cellphone name got here in, you don’t flip that down. That may be one thing fairly particular, I’m certain. I believe it is without doubt one of the most iconic British roles and I’d like to be within the combine for that.”

Scottish actor Stuart Martin has reportedly caught the attention of Hollywood executives, positioning him as a severe contender to succeed Craig as Bond. The actor, who hails from Ayrshire, isn’t as extensively recognised as another names within the combine. Nonetheless, his intensive performing expertise over the previous decade has earned him the eye of Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson, the producers behind the Bond movies at Eon Productions.

Martin has constructed a strong profession with roles in Jamestown, the place he performed the lead position of Silas Sharrow, and The Lady in White. He additionally starred in Black Mirror and has appeared in The Rook, showcasing his versatility throughout varied genres. Regardless of being comparatively beneath the radar in comparison with different frontrunners, Martin’s rising repute and powerful performances have made him a darkish horse within the race to change into the subsequent 007.

A rising star, Callum Turner has captivated audiences along with his roles in Incredible Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Boys within the Boat. His physicality, appeal, and powerful display screen presence make him a super candidate for the position of James Bond.

Turner, who hails from London, brings a contemporary and fascinating perspective to the characters he performs, which might breathe new life into the well-known 007 persona. His youthfulness additionally permits him to decide to the position for a few years, guaranteeing the franchise’s continuity. Together with his mix of expertise, charisma, and progress potential, Turner has shortly change into a frontrunner within the race to succeed Craig.

Nonetheless one of many bookies’ front-runners to play the deadpan superspy, Bridgerton star Web page’s portrayal of the sullen, smouldering Duke of Hastings suggests he might grasp the extra brooding facets of Bond. His easy means to boost a single eyebrow and exude an air of stoic appeal makes him a robust contender for the position, along with his on-screen persona becoming the mould of an opportunistic, suave 007.

Nonetheless, whereas these qualities have firmly positioned Web page as one of many favourites, he has avoided including gas to the hypothesis. In an interview with Self-importance Truthful, the British actor mentioned the prospect of taking part in the long-lasting British spy didn’t occupy “his ideas”.

He added: “It’s a dialog individuals are having, and it’s terribly flattering that they’re having it. I depart them to it. I’ve acquired sufficient on my plate in the intervening time. I fear in regards to the work I’ve, not different individuals’s jobs.”

Regardless of his modest feedback, the excitement round Web page’s potential for the position continues to develop.

Norton, greatest recognized for his position in McMafia, was initially touted as an early favorite to change into the subsequent Bond. With a profession that features taking part in a murderous psychopath (Tommy Lee Royce in Comfortable Valley) and a disillusioned aristocratic soldier (Prince Andrei Bolkonsky in Struggle & Peace), Norton definitely has the depth and depth of character that would make him a robust match for the position of the dead-eyed superspy.

In an interview with Gentleman’s Journal, Norton addressed the continuing hypothesis about his potential casting: “Bond’s such an icon and means a lot to so many, so there’s an inevitable quantity of hypothesis. However that’s as a lot as it’s — hypothesis. Very flattering, very humbling hypothesis.”

Whereas Norton is a robust candidate along with his performing vary and on-screen presence, he stays humble in regards to the risk, acknowledging the stress and significance of the position.

Madden has made a reputation for himself with a various vary of roles. From his portrayal of a Scottish Afghanistan battle veteran in Bodyguard to his memorable stint as Robb Stark in Recreation of Thrones, Madden has proven he can deal with complicated, multifaceted characters. Nonetheless, his efficiency as Elton John’s long-term supervisor and former lover, John Reid, in Rocketman really showcased his potential to play an totally ruthless, calculating character—qualities usually related to Bond’s enemies.

Regardless of his spectacular vary, many imagine Madden would make a extra compelling villain than a hero. His suave however chilly nature lends itself effectively to the darker aspect of the Bond universe.

As for the Bond rumours, Madden took them in stride, providing a sometimes deadpan response: “It’s very flattering to be concerned in that dialog in any respect. Nevertheless it’s all discuss and subsequent week I’m certain it’ll be somebody totally different.”

His calm and measured response solely provides to his enigmatic persona. Nonetheless, he stays targeted on different initiatives, leaving the hypothesis to others.

The announcement that Captain Marvel star Lashana Lynch was getting into the “new 007” position sparked a wave of click-bait headlines, however the actuality is extra complicated. The 37-year-old Londoner does not substitute Bond, however takes on the long-lasting 007 operative quantity after Bond retires from MI6 in No Time To Die.

When the movie was launched in September 2021, Lynch’s portrayal of the sharp-witted agent, dealing with off in opposition to Daniel Craig’s Bond, was a spotlight, particularly with Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s sharp one-liners. Waller-Bridge might be the proper collaborator to offer Lynch her personal motion franchise.

Tom Hardy’s Dunkirk co-star Jack Lowden has additionally been talked about as a possible substitute for Craig. Nonetheless, the Scottish actor isn’t eager on getting into the long-lasting position, primarily as a result of he’s such an enormous fan of Daniel Craig.

“I’m an enormous Daniel Craig fan and I don’t suppose he ought to ever cease doing it,” Lowden mentioned final 12 months. “Bond coping with age is a superb thought, and I believe we should always go the entire approach till Daniel’s 85.”

I Might Destroy You’s Paapa Essiedu has skillfully prevented saying something concrete in regards to the rumours that he might be the subsequent Bond within the vein of the spy himself. “I’ve acquired nothing for you. I do know as a lot as you do. Ask Barbara Broccoli,” he advised The Instances earlier than musing, “I ponder how many individuals have ever turned it down?”

He’s able to roll, having showcased his performing chops because the Royal Shakespeare Firm’s first black Hamlet, starred in The Impact on the Nationwide Theatre, and honed his abilities in Gangs of London as Alex Dumani.

In 2024, NME introduced that Damson Idris had joined the ranks of front-runners for the position of Bond.

He hinted at his curiosity in taking part in the spy throughout a dialog with HipHollywood final 12 months, saying: “I don’t know, do I seem like I might play Bond? Nicely possibly it might occur. Who is aware of?”

Whereas not a definitive assertion, his expertise in Exterior the Wire (the place he’s proven he can deal with a gun) and his position because the lead in FX’s Snowfall show his suitability. The one difficulty? He could be a bit younger for the half.

Positive, Murphy could be a bit on the slim aspect in the intervening time — he shed weight for his Oscar-winning position because the good but troubled physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.

However image him bulked-up a bit and taking part in an older Bond. It might be an excellent match.

Murphy is famend for portraying complicated, darkish characters — qualities that might swimsuit Bond completely. Plus, he has Craig’s putting blue eyes, which might add to the long-lasting look.

It’s a disgrace that Harris Dickinson is barely too younger to play Bond this time. He’s one of many few on this checklist who doesn’t give us even a touch of hesitation once we image him in a swimsuit, driving a Jaguar. The Leytonstone-born actor is quickly changing into a rising star, due to standout roles in Ruben Östlund’s Oscar-nominated Triangle of Disappointment (2022) and Charlotte Regan’s debut Scrapper (2023).

However there’s hope. In 10 years, he’ll nonetheless be younger sufficient for the position, and he’s already proven curiosity, saying, “I imply, hear, man, you’d be a idiot to not entertain that position,” in an interview with Whole Movie. See you in a decade, Dickinson.

A lot of the identical could be mentioned for the Irish actor Mescal. Whereas he could also be too younger to play Bond convincingly proper now, that can possible change in two or three movies. He has all of the qualities of a Bond dream: good-looking, scruffy, and endlessly charming, with a dangerously interesting lopsided smile.

Mescal has already bulked up for Ridley Scott’s upcoming Gladiator sequel, so he might simply do it once more for the position of 007.

Half the web thinks it’s an amazing thought, nevertheless it’s exhausting to image Cavill because the roguish spy: Bond is distinctly not Superman. Nonetheless, Cavill’s schedule has freed up since stepping down from The Witcher and with DC getting into a brand new path with Kal-El. Placing his sometimes cringeworthy Instagram movies apart, he now has a lot “expertise” that Wilson sought.

Cavill auditioned for Bond in 2006, with On line casino Royale director Martin Campbell praising his performing as “great”. Campbell mentioned: “If Daniel didn’t exist, Henry would have made a wonderful Bond. He simply seemed a bit younger at the moment.”

A powerful contender then, if producers overlook the truth that he’s now crossed the 40-mark.

The Welsh actor and singer has quite a bit going for him. Firstly, he’s not 26. He’s additionally six toes tall, seems sharp in a swimsuit, and has a lot expertise in motion roles. He performed Apollo in Conflict of the Titans in 2010 and has since appeared in a number of Quick & Livid movies, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and Luc Besson’s Anna.

So, have we discovered the proper candidate? Nicely, he’s 4 years over Wilson’s new age restrict, which could, sadly, make him a bit too previous for the position.

Together with his thrilling mixture of posh appeal and rough-around-the-edges persona, Hardy is maybe some of the becoming actors for Bond. He has that uncommon mixture of sophistication and hazard, making him totally plausible as the long-lasting spy.

You possibly can simply think about girls swooning on the sight of him, simply as a lot as you’ll be able to image him throttling a double-crossing agent along with his naked palms, all whereas having fun with a full English breakfast. Age apart, Hardy appears one of many extra possible candidates for the position, although producer Broccoli is usually staying tight-lipped.

Outlander star Heughan, who spent as a lot time shirtless in 5 seasons of the more and more darker sequence as Bond has in 58 years and 27 movies, sparked a flurry of on-line pleasure in 2022 when he casually acknowledged that, sure, if requested, he would tackle the position of the superspy. Maintain the entrance web page!

To his credit score, Heughan additionally identified that “any fairly well-known British actor who’s worn a swimsuit immediately has their identify thrown into the ring by followers,” a smart perspective.

Whereas he is now not in his 30s, Heughan nonetheless boasts a youthful look, although he might simply pull off the suave, debonair Bond look.

Tom Hiddleston has largely steered away from the rumours about him changing into Bond. “Nobody has talked to me about it,” he advised Graham Norton in 2016.

That mentioned, Hiddleston is way extra suited to taking part in the heroically deadpan, sarcastic God of Mischief, Loki, than the extra brooding, quip-less fashionable Bond. His easy appeal and wit are extra becoming for the previous position than the stoic superspy.

Whereas Hiddleston’s expertise in high-profile roles resembling The Night time Supervisor and the Avengers franchise definitely showcases his vary, his model appears higher suited to a personality with extra humour and aptitude than the standard Bond.

Idris Elba, the British actor greatest recognized for his roles in Luther and The Wire, has been a long-standing favorite to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond since Craig first hinted at stepping down in 2015. His intense display screen presence and charisma have made him a well-liked decide amongst followers, together with rapper Stormzy, who referenced Elba’s potential Bond probabilities in his 2019 single Vossi Bop.

Regardless of widespread hypothesis and assist, the 51-year-old has constantly downplayed the rumours, claiming that he is “too previous” for the position. And, sadly, evidently this sentiment has been echoed by the Bond producers, successfully closing the door on Elba’s possibilities of taking up the esteemed position. Sigh.

Harry Kinds, the British singer-turned-actor, has already proven spectacular promise in his performing profession. After gaining fame as a One Path member, he ventured into performing with a notable position in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, portraying a younger British soldier. His transition to performing continued in 2022, starring in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Fear Darling alongside Florence Pugh and Chris Pine, and in My Policeman, based mostly on Bethan Roberts’ novel, the place he performs a homosexual policeman caught in a love triangle along with his spouse (Emma Corrin) and one other man (David Dawson).

There’s one thing about Kinds’s supremely assured, easygoing appeal that would make him an intriguing selection for James Bond. Although he could also be barely younger for the position, Kinds’s easy masculinity and lack of concern with gender norms might current a refreshing, fashionable tackle the superspy. Together with his laid-back but assured model, he might be the proper Bond for a brand new period, maybe even paving the best way for a extra fluid interpretation of 007.

Alexander Skarsgard might current a Swedish James Bond, an excellent spy who has all of the hallmarks of a Bond character, together with a tuxedo, a license to kill, and a approach with the women, however with a distinctively Scandinavian aptitude.

The Massive Little Lies star mentioned the subject in an interview with The Instances of London, explaining that he had beforehand enlisted in his nation’s nationwide service, saying, “I did it as a result of I used to be 19, I didn’t know what I needed to do and I needed to be James Bond for 18 months.”

Skarsgard entered the spirit of the providing, expressing his pleasure about the opportunity of bringing this idea to the massive display screen:

“I might be a really well mannered, diplomatic Swedish James Bond, who negotiates. There’ll be no violence in any respect. It’ll simply be boardroom conferences the place individuals attempt to discover consensus, everybody’s wired and desperately tries to keep away from an argument or problems, that’s very Swedish. I’ll pitch it!.”

Skarsgard, who simply made an look as a pc tycoon in Succession, earned his huge break in Zoolander.