Next James Bond: Theo James dealt major blow in race for 007 role as rival actor surges in popularity ahead of star
A new name has shot up in the race to replace Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond, with the likes of former frontrunners Theo James and Henry Cavill falling by the wayside.
Speculation surrounding the next James Bond has been rife ever since Knives Out star Craig announced his departure from the franchise ahead of No Time to Die’s theatrical release.
The rumour mill has been sent into overdrive ever since, especially given some major changes behind the scenes of the world’s most beloved spy film series.
Amazon officially acquired full creative control of the franchise in a multi-billion-dollar deal with MGM Studios, while Denis Villeneuve has been unveiled as the director who’ll helm the next project.
For months, it’s been Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson who’s been the frontrunner for the part, with many bookmakers tipping him to take over the lucrative role.
And he’s done little to quash these rumours by collaborating with Bond watchmakers Omega and even delivering a rather cryptic response when asked about future projects.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that the latest odds still price Taylor-Johnson as the outright frontrunner, but he faces stiff competition from a new face.
The new competition comes in the form of Spider-Man star Tom Holland, an actor who has sparked a “significant shake-up” to the next James Bond market, according to bookmakers.
Holland has seen his odds slashed from 14/1 to 4/1 this week, skyrocketing him ahead of the likes of James, Cavill, Damson Idris, and Harris Dickinson in the market.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps explained all. “We’ve seen a cluster of customers placing major bets on Tom Holland to be the next James Bond, with many of them returning again at shorter prices, convinced the Spider-Man actor is ready to take on the 007 role,” he said.
“The flurry of support has forced us to slash his odds from 14/1 to 4/1, and it’s shaken up the Bond market significantly, with Holland overtaking Theo James (9/2) to become third-favourite.
“Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains the outright favourite at 6/4, although his grip on the top spot has loosened after drifting from odds-on.
“Aaron Pierre follows at 3/1, with Holland now sitting ahead of the previously well-fancied trio of James, Harris Dickinson (6/1) and Henry Cavill (8/1).”
Holland’s chances have been bolstered by recent claims from insiders suggesting Amazon bosses are keen for a British actor under the age of 30 to play the role.
According to the sources’ claims, the studio and producers have identified Saltburn’s Jacob Elordi, Holland, and Dickinson as their prime candidates.
However, Amazon declined to comment on the insider claims, according to Variety.
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One man who’s had no problems addressing the race and making his opinions on who the next Bond should be clear is none other than former 007, Pierce Brosnan.
Speaking to Jonathan Ross earlier this year, the Mob Land star said: “I think [Taylor-Johnson] would make a very fine Bond.
“He was actually in one of the movies I made called The Greatist – a lovely film, actually – and he was so impressive then.
“He just had this charisma. He had this presence. And yeah, he would be good.”