It has been over well three years since Daniel Craig’s hung up his tux after starring in his final James Bond film, ‘No Time To Die’.
Since then there has been feverish speculation over who will succeed him in one of the world’s biggest film franchaises.
A succession of big names have seemed to be in poll position to follow in the footsteps of Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan.
In 2024 it was reported that Kickass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the job, but it seems that this may not have been entirely accurate.
And there is now further doubt about the recruitment process after Barbara Broccoli and her half brother Michael G. Wilson, who have effectively previously handpicked the actors to play the character since the 1990s, signed over ‘full creative control’ to Amazon MGM Studios.
That development has shaken up the odds, with these actors currently favourite to pull on 007’s tuxedo in the next James Bond film.
9. Richard Madden - 12/1
Another Scottish actor in the running to play James Bond is Richard Madden, who shot to global fame after playing Robb Stark in 'Game of Thrones'. The Golden Globe winner (he won for 'The Bodyguard') is 12/1 to enjoy his martini shaken not stirred. | Getty Images
10. Josh O'Connor - 14/1
Josh O'Connor, who played a young King Charles in The Crown, momentarily became the favourite to play Bond a few weeks ago, with his odds reaching as low as 8/11. He's fallen back again and is now priced at 14/1. | Getty Images
11. Lucien Laviscount - 16/1
Priced at 16/1 is suave 'Emily in Paris' star Lucien Laviscount. He had is acting break in 'Grange Hill', going on to win parts in 'Coronation Street' and 'Waterloo Road' before Hollywood beckoned. | Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz