Speculation around who will be the next James Bond is rife as the franchise looks for Daniel Craig's replacement, with one name firmly in the mix that of Outlander star Sam Heughan.
The 42-year-old Scots actor is best known for his starring role as Jamie Fraser, a Highland warrior in drama-fantasy series Outlander, which has a firm fan following. The Balmaclellan actor saw his odds shorten in the last week to be the next James Bond after putting himself forward for the role again, and is now priced at 16-1 at William Hill.
The current frontrunners to play 007 are Tom Hardy and Bridgerton's Rege-Jean Page priced at 3-1, followed by other popular contenders Henry Cavill, Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
However, Heughan isn't the only Scottish actor bookies are favouring for the role. Marvel's Richard Madden is priced at 12-1, Doctor Who star Karen Gillan has odds of 50-1, while Ewan McGregor and Martin Compston both have a 66-1 chance at the role.
Discussing James Bond with the Sunday Times earlier this year, Sam admitted that he actually auditioned for the role in 2006 back when Daniel Craig was hired. Sam told the publication he thinks the next film in the franchise will go “back to where it all began”, but he would love to throw his hat in the ring.
He said: “I think any British actor would. What would I bring? Scottish charm and a slight humour.”
Speaking on Alex Zane's podcast Just The Facts, Sam admitted it would be 'amazing' as he discussed the internet speculation and hype around him. He told the podcast: "It's all media and it's all just... there's no weight to it at all, there's no truth to it.
"But having said that, you can't help but then think 'God, it would be amazing. I have been up for Bond, I went up when they did Bond 21. It was an amazing experience and I was completely out of my depth. But I think now I feel the right age for it, I feel capable enough to do it, I'd love the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring. Definitely."
Sam previously told Scottish Field magazine that he would "jump at the chance to play a character like that" when asked about playing 007.
Speaking on the shift in odds, William Hill’s Tony Kenny said: “Sam Heughan has been up there or thereabouts for Bond for the last few months, so it’s clear that people saw him as a good fit - and now it seems that goes for Barbara Broccoli and the casting team, too.
“It’s not surprising that his odds have narrowed in the last week, as amidst other actors rebutting rumours, he’s actively encouraging them. It remains to be seen whether this is a sign of things to come.”
The full list of odds for James Bond hopefuls can be found on William Hill.
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