British rising star makes shock appearance among front runners for James Bond takeover amid ongoing speculation over who will be next 007
Speculation as to who will take over the role of James Bond from Daniel Craig in the next instalment of the franchise has been heating up in recent weeks.
And now a British rising star has found himself among the front runners as one of the bookies' surprise favourites.
The actor had a huge year in 2024 as he lead one of the most anticipated Disney live action films.
Film-lovers have been patiently waiting to find out when the new 007 movie will be released since Craig finished his five film stint as the British spy with No Time To Die.
And as this actor's popularity grows, it seems the bookmakers think he could be in line to be cast as the iconic spy.
Amazon recently took over 'creative control' of the much-loved franchise and are said to be fast-tracking the new film, with Hollywood producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal hired to bring in the new era of Bond.
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British fan favourites Aaron-Taylor Johnson and Henry Cavill have been linked to the role, while The White Lotus actor Theo James emerged as the latest bookies' favourite last month.
But Mufasa star Aaron Pierre, 31, has now found himself in the mix, with William Hill putting him at 8/1 - the same odds as Cavill.
The bookmaker sees Taylor-Johnson the most likely to take over at odds of 11/8, while James sits at 7/2.
Right behind Pierre and Cavill is Happy Valley actor James Norton, and chasing his tail is Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden.
Earlier this month, betting companies released their odds for the next James Bond villain - with one unexpected household name topping the list.
The favourite was then none other than Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, 49, who sits at the top of OLBG's odds at 9/2.
The Irish actor - best known for playing Thomas Shelby - had previously been touted for the part of Bond but played down speculation, telling Deadline: 'I think I'm a bit old for that.'
Also in the running to play the Bond bad guy are American actor Paul Giamatti (11/2), The Boogeyman star David Dastmalchian (13/2), and unlikely contender Zendaya (7/1).
The bookmaker sees Aaron Taylor-Johnson (left in August) the most likely to take over at odds of 11/8, while Theo James (right in January 2024) sits at 7/2
Despite 'usually playing the good guy' in her previous roles, the female actress told Elle in 2023 that she's ready to enter her villainous era.
'I would love to play a villain of sorts,' the 28-year-old said.
'Tap into the evil, supervillain vibes. Whatever that manifests in, I don't think necessarily in a superhero sense, I just mean in like an emotional sense.
'I feel like I usually play the good guy, so I'd like to play the bad guy.'
Cillian Murphy remains the strong favourite for the role, with Betting Expert Jake Ashton backing the Irish star too.
'The villain role in the Bond movies is just as iconic as Bond himself,' he said.
'With Cillian Murphy at the height of his powers and trusted by major directors, he's a natural favourite.'
No Time To Die saw Oscar winner Rami Malek star as its lead antagonist Lyutsifer Safin, a terrorist chief and scientist driven by a desire to dismantle the criminal group SPECTRE.
Before him A-lister Christoph Waltz starred as the villain in Spectre and Javier Bardem played Raoul Silva in Skyfall, an antagonist described as 'up there with the great' Bond baddies.
Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027.
Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun.
An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes.
'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.
'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.'
The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.
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