The world’s most favorite secret agent is back in action next fall for Bond 25 with Daniel Craig announcing this will be his final reprisal of Bond … James Bond. There has been a lot of speculation of who will replace Craig with the license to kill after production wraps up for Bond 25.
Online sportsbook Sportsbook has Tom Hardy Sportsbook as the favorite at +180 to take over as Bond followed by: James Norton at +230, Cillian Murphy at +250, Jack Huston at +600 and Aidan Turner and Idris Elba tied at +650.
Daniel Craig played Bond in the last four movies, with next year’s film being his fifth and final portrayal. Below is a look at two of the betting favorites who may be the next to enjoy their drinks shaken, not stirred.
Hardy May have too much on his plate
Hardy is the betting favorite and is no stranger to the big screen, appearing in recent movies such as: Warrior, Inception, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Revenant. The London native was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of John Fitzgerald in The Revenant. Hardy has two films in post-production and another two movies that have been announced, including another Mad Max.
However, the majority of the previous Bonds weren’t as well-known prior to getting the part of the secret agent so it’ll be interesting if they turn to an actor like Hardy. The English actor has the look for Bond and as he turned 40 last September he is of a prime age to be the next 007, with most actors who have played Bond being in or around their 40s.
Casting May go with the Lesser known
Norton is slightly behind Hardy at Sportsbook at +230. The London native has starred as Alex Godman in McMafia – which is not affiliated with the golden arches – a TV series about leaving the world of organized crime. From this role Norton has had the opportunity of looking the part of a mafia member, which is not too far off from the tuxedoed Bond. Unlike Hardy, though, Norton is not as well known in major features on the big screen, which makes a nice way of introducing a new 007 to the public eye that is common for the role.
Cumberbatch could be the dark horse
“I know the rules, and number one is ‘no deals.’ ” At this point there is no deal set in place for who will be James Bond following next year’s film but there are plenty of names being thrown out there and it appears it will be a two-horse race between Hardy and Norton. Outside of the two favorites, Benedict Cumberbatch at +6500 could provide some decent value. However, Cumberbatch has a lot of upcoming work – with four movies in pre-production and another three films announced, fitting in the role of Bond may be too much for the English actor.