A new frontrunner has emerged in the long-running search for the next James Bond, with a British actor now considered the leading candidate to take over the iconic 007 role.
While figures such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Idris Elba, James Norton and Line of Duty star Martin Compston continue to feature in speculation, one contender has reportedly gained significant momentum since Daniel Craig’s final outing in No Time To Die.
According to UK bookmaker Coral, Callum Turner – known for Fantastic Beasts and engaged to singer Dua Lipa – has become the “red hot” favourite to assume the role.
Although Turner has been part of the conversation for some time, his recent performance opposite Elizabeth Olsen in the rom-com Eternity appears to have strengthened his position.
Following a surge in betting over the past 24 hours, Turner’s odds have shortened from 5-2 to 7-4.
“We’ve been knocked over with support for Callum Turner in our next James Bond betting over the last 24 hours,” Coral’s John Hill said (according to The Standard). “The British actor is now the red-hot favourite for the role.”
Taylor-Johnson and The White Lotus actor Theo James follow at 3-1, with Henry Cavill at 6-1. Other contenders include Anthony Boyle at 10-1, Harris Dickinson at 12-1, and Jack Lowden and James Norton at 16-1.
Meanwhile, progress on the next Bond film appears to be advancing.
Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that British screenwriter Steven Knight – best known for Peaky Blinders – is writing the script. The project will be directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, whose previous work includes Dune and Arrival. Producers David Heyman (Harry Potter) and Amy Pascal (Spider-Man) are also attached.
Earlier this year, Amazon finalised a significant agreement with longtime Bond custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to assume full control of the character and its intellectual property, heralding a new direction for the franchise. Villeneuve’s involvement indicates that development is now underway.
Turner is not the only British actor facing ongoing speculation. Last month, George Mackay addressed persistent rumours that he could succeed Craig. The 1917 star has frequently appeared near the top of bookmakers’ lists, with The Guardian previously describing him as having “that look that mixes vague meanness with woolly competence” and “a spoonful of the eccentric enigmatic.”
Bond commentator and author Mark O’Connell has also described him as an “interesting” choice who is “going places,” in comments to Page Six.
Mackay’s Bond credentials have also been linked to his appearance opposite former Bond girl Léa Seydoux in the 2023 film The Beast.
Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of his new film & Sons, Mackay responded with a smile when asked if he would consider taking on the role.
“I mean, like, come on. Like, Bonds? Yeah, sure,” he said.
When pressed on whether any formal discussions had occurred, he replied: “I couldn’t say… No, I’m not going to be drawn further than that.
“But hey, it’s nice to be in the mix, y’know? And what a role? Like Denis Villenueve, he’s top of the game. So yeah, of course.”
Images: Instagram
