Daniel Craig’s run as James Bond remains one of the most successful reboots of a franchise in cinema history.
The blond actor shocked long-time fans when his casting was first confirmed in 2005.
However, he more than proved himself in 2006’s Casino Royale, playing a more brutal, bruised and beaten Bond than ever before.
Fifteen years and four more films later, his tenure as 007 came to an end with 2021's No Time to Die, giving him a send-off no other Bond actor has seen before.
Now the hunt is on for his replacement, with almost every major male British actor seemingly in contention for the part.
Some names keep coming back though, with Henry Cavill a consistent frontrunner for the part.
It comes as the franchise is celebrating its 60th anniversary, reminding audiences of 007's enduring legacy in Hollywood and culture at large.
Here are the latest odds for the next James Bond.
What are the latest odds for the next James Bond?
According to the latest odds from Ladbrokes, Henry Cavill remains a frontrunner while Tom Hardy’s chances continue to diminish.
The latest odds are as follows:
- Henry Cavill - 5/1
- James Norton - 5/1
- Regé-Jean Page- 5/1
- Tom Hardy - 6/1
- Idris Elba - 10/1
- Jonathan Bailey - 10/1
- Richard Madden - 12/1
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "The latest news from 007 chiefs has sent shockwaves through the Bond betting, and while Rege-Jean Page, James Norton and Henry Cavill rightly lead the way, we're expecting Jonathan Bailey's odds to continue to shorten over the coming days after a flurry of bets on the Bridgerton star."
Despite the latest odds, it looks unlikely that favourites such as Idris Elba, 50, and Tom Hardy, 45, could be taking on the role after a new interview with producer Michael G Wilson.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: "We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past, but trying to visualise it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran.
"He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something.
"He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off.
"That’s why it works for a 30-something."
Regé-Jean Page, 34, Richard Madden, 36, and Superman star Henry Cavill, 39, are therefore all still in contention.
What have the James Bond producers said?
James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson recently spoke to Variety about the hunt for the next 007.
In a disappointing update for fans, the search is still “early days” as the new star will need to sign up for the long haul.
Barbara explained: “The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off and when we cast Bond, it’s a 10, 12-year commitment.
"So, he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that.
“It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].”
Michael added: “And he was in his early 30s at the time!”
Previous reports indicated producers wanted a younger actor to play Bond this time, which would make sense considering the decade-long commitment.
However, this is merely speculation at this point, as nothing has been confirmed at this stage.
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