The race to become the next James Bond has taken an unexpected turn as a breakout star from The White Lotus season three, has become a favourite following his critically praised performance in the HBO drama.
The 31-year-old actor, Patrick Schwarzenegger, the son of Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, has seen his bookmakers' odds slashed from 12/1 to just 5/1 after his compelling portrayal of the morally ambiguous finance bro Saxon Ratliff.
The rising star is also said to have come to the attention of Amazon MGM who have taken over the Bond franchise, according to industry sources.
Following Sunday's season finale, social media platforms were flooded with praise for Schwarzenegger's performance, with fans describing his work as "incredible," "mesmerising" and "the standout performance of the season."
Critics have also praised the star for shining in The White Lotus, which is his biggest acting role to date.
This groundswell of critical appreciation has now translated into serious consideration for cinema's most coveted role, placing him ahead of many established names in the Bond stakes.
"Patrick Schwarzenegger was one of the stars of the latest White Lotus series, and on the back of the show, he has jumped into the James Bond mix," said Coral's John Hill.
"The son of the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger has had his odds slashed to 5/1 from 12/1, which represents a significant shift in his prospects."
A source confirms to Standard: "Noting is off the table for the new crew at Amazon. He's definitely the talk of the moment and been noticed by them."
While Schwarzenegger's sudden emergence has surprised many industry observers, he does still have a battle ahead of him for the coveted spy role.
Fellow White Lotus alum Theo James, who remains the bookmakers' favourite IS at 2/1. Other strong contenders include Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who reportedly already had secret screen tests), Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page, and perennial fan favourite Idris Elba.
In a surprising twist, even British character actor Stephen Graham has entered the conversation with 33/1 odds.
The Bond franchise is at a crucial juncture following Daniel Craig's departure after No Time To Die in 2021.
With Amazon MGM now taking creative control of the franchise, new producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have come aboard as long-time stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson take a step back.
Recent rumours suggest the producers may be considering a radical reinvention of the character, possibly opting for a younger Bond in an origin story format.
Actor Daniel Mays recently added fuel to the FIRE during an appearance on the We're Not Getting Any Younger podcast, revealing: "I'd heard a rumour that they're going to cast someone very young and go back to the origins."
This potential direction could play to Schwarzenegger's advantage, given his relative youth and newfound dramatic credibility.
At CinemaCon in Las Vegas earlier this month, studio executives confirmed that production is finally underway in London, promising to "honour the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world."
While no official announcements have been made regarding casting, the sudden shift in Schwarzenegger's odds suggests his name is being taken seriously in industry circles.
The actor's journey to Bond contention marks a significant career evolution. Initially met with scepticism when cast in The White Lotus, Schwarzenegger has now earned widespread praise for his nuanced portrayal of the deeply flawed Saxon.
This dramatic transformation from being known primarily as Arnold Schwarzenegger's son to a serious actor in his own right mirrors the franchise's own potential reinvention.
As the Bond production team, which has started production in London, continues their search for the next 007, the franchise is reportedly seeking a fresh direction and new energy.
