The search for the next James Bond is heating up as Daniel Craig stepped down from the iconic role. Betting odds have become a popular indicator of who may succeed Craig, and this week, young actor James Norton emerged as the frontrunner with 11/4 odds from Ladbrokes.
Meanwhile, fan-favorites Henry Cavill and Tom Hardy remain strong contenders, with odds in their favor at 3/1 and 10/1, respectively. As the speculation about the future Bond intensifies, fans eagerly await the revelation of who will inherit the mantle of 007.
The Shift in Bond Odds: James Norton Emerges as Frontrunner
The James Bond franchise, based on the legendary British secret agent of the same name, has been a staple in the film industry for over half a century. The franchise, which was first introduced through Ian Fleming’s novels, has seen several renowned actors step into the shoes of the iconic spy, including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and most recently, Daniel Craig.
After Craig bid farewell to the Bond character, fans eagerly await the revelation of the next actor who will inherit the mantle of 007. In the interim, betting odds have become a popular tool for predicting the future Bond, and this week, the odds have shifted in favor of young actor James Norton.
James Norton, who has been capturing audiences as the villain Tommy Lee Royce in the popular BBC series Happy Valley, has now been given 11/4 odds by Ladbrokes to be the next Bond. According to Alex Apati of Ladbrokes, “James Norton’s portrayal of a sinister character in Happy Valley has convinced punters that he is ready to take on the role of a Hollywood hero, in the form of James Bond.”
The change in odds came as a surprise, as previous favorite Aaron Taylor-Johnson had reportedly been in contention for the role after meeting with Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. Taylor-Johnson, a seasoned Hollywood actor known for his roles in Kick-Ass and Marvel Cinematic Universe, now shares second place with Henry Cavill at 3/1 odds.
Aspirants for the Next James Bond: Henry Cavill & Tom Hardy
Henry Cavill has been a persistent contender for the role of James Bond for many years. He first auditioned for the film Casino Royale in 2005 but was eventually surpassed by Daniel Craig. Despite not securing the Bond role at the time, Cavill went on to become a prominent Hollywood star, with noteworthy appearances in Man of Steel and Mission: Impossible – Fallout. With recent Bond betting odds in his favor at 3/1, Cavill remains a top pick among fans and speculation for who will don the tuxedo next.
Tom Hardy, another fan-favorite, is also making a strong bid for the Bond role with 10/1 odds. Despite keeping quiet about his chances, Hardy’s exceptional talent and versatility as an actor has earned him a substantial following among Bond fans. With his popularity and compelling odds, Hardy is a formidable contender for the coveted role of 007.
The next face of the multi-billion dollar James Bond franchise remains unknown, as the speculation about who will succeed as 007 continues to escalate. Only time will determine who will don the mantle of the iconic spy.
