Daniel Craig’s James Bond successor may still be a mystery to the public as Amazon MGM Studios finalises its decision, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from going into overdrive.
And it isn’t just speculation among the 007 fandom that’s been rife either, as fans appear to have been putting their money where their mouths are, according to the latest data from bookmakers.
Actors tipped for the role since Craig’s departure back in 2019 have ranged from the likes of Henry Cavill and Theo James all the way to Paul Mescal and Rege-Jean Page.
In recent weeks, however, it’s the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Aaron Pierre, Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland who’ve dominated the conversation.
But now, as Bond fans head towards another month without knowing who the next leading man will be, it’s been revealed that one actor has been given their best chances yet of landing the sought-after role.
That man is Taylor-Johnson, the 28 Weeks Later actor who’d previously wrongly been reported to have signed on for the part.
In recent weeks, Taylor-Johnson has signed endorsement deals with watchmakers Omega and delivered a cryptic response when quizzed on his future at a movie premiere, all of which has combined to make a Bond role look likely.
Punters are now convinced he’s the man for the job, with a number of bookmakers now pricing Taylor-Johnson at his shortest odds ever.
Experts at BetMGM, for example, currently price Taylor-Johnson as odds-on for the part, offering punters just 1/2 on him becoming the next 007.
Brand Director at BetMGM, Dan Towse, said: “The 1/2 about Aaron Taylor-Johnson becoming the next James Bond is by far the shortest price any candidate has been so far.
“Taylor-Johnson has long been rumoured as a strong possibility for the role, and the weight of support over the last few days suggests we might be nearing a decision.”
His closest competition is far adrift, with the aforementioned Pierre and Dickinson priced at 5/1 apiece for the part.
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BetMGM have also priced the likes of Jacob Elordi, Theo James, and Tom Holland at 13/2 in the race.
Other bookmakers have followed suit, following a pattern in punters’ betting. Betfred, for instance, also prices Taylor-Johnson as an odds-on favourite for the role.
Betfred’s Robert Ford said: “The ever-changing next James Bond betting market has another huge development, with favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson cementing his place at the head of the odds, moving into odds-on (8/11) from even money.
“This is the shortest price that Taylor-Johnson, who’s held top spot on numerous occasions, has had for a number of months and has moved even further away from former favourite Theo James in second place.
“The majority of other names near the head of the market remain unmoved, except for Happy Valley star James Norton, who’s also received backing in the past few days, resulting in his odds being slashed to 7/1 from 10s.”
According to them, The Gentlemen’s James is close behind Taylor-Johnson at 9/4 while Pierre remains unmoved at 5/1.
Cavill comes in at 11/2 with Betfred, closely followed by Holland at 6/1 and Norton at 7/1.
While the identity of the next Bond actor remains unknown despite the surge in Taylor-Johnson backers, there has been movement behind the camera recently.
Dune director Denis Villeneuve has been confirmed as the man who’ll serve as director on the next Bond blockbuster.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said.
“I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.
“Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
