Speculation on who will replace Daniel Craig as 007 is again ramping up as betting on the new James Bond has been suspended, according to Metro.
Craig was a seemingly out-of-left-field choice for the character at the time, with many criticizing the casting even before his first adventure hit the big screen.
Of course, once Casino Royale did make its way to the big screen, fans’ worries were swiftly put to rest. Now, it will be up to an all-new actor to live up to the legacy, and while speculation continues to run rampant, the suspension of any betting suggests that the bookies may be privy to some insider information, and that all-new actor may now have been found.
Following Craig’s departure from the 007 role in 2021’s No Time to Die, one of the major names in contention for the next James Bond, a name that has been circling the role for a long time, is Idris Elba. Of course, while he’d be a great fit, the Luther and The Suicide Squad star has removed his own name from consideration. So, if Elba is out, who’s left?
Who Are the Top Contenders for the Next James Bond?
The other big name that’s been widely speculated as being up for the role of Bond is Kraven the Hunter and David Leitch favorite Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Taylor-Johnson displayed style to spare in the aforementioned director’s recent action outing Bullet Train, giving Bond vibes more often than not (though it’d be an even more unethical and even more murderous 007), but when rumors swirled that he’d signed on back in March, they were shot down.
Taylor-Johnson is still the likely bet, with odds hovering consistently around 4/5. But, while he’s now wrapped on 28 Years Later, there’s still Kraven the Hunter‘s potential success to take into consideration.
People don’t sign on to lead a Marvel property for just one movie, even if that movie takes place outside the MCU.
Given the mixed-to-positive response to the R-rated actioner’s most recent trailer, it’s safe to say that it will at the very least outperform Madame Web (not exactly a high bar to clear). It might even be a surprise hit and, if that’s the case, its sequel would likely become the actor’s priority given contract requirements.
So, if he can’t do it, who’s the next best bet? Page would be a great choice, as he saw his star skyrocket during his short time on Bridgerton and displayed plenty of swagger in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Idris (Damson Idris, that is), has the upcoming F1 movie led by Brad Pitt that should do quite a bit to boost his profile.
As for James, he’s a likable presence who can play the role of tough guy, as seen in Guy Ritchie’s series adaptation of The Gentlemen but, like with Taylor-Johnson there’s a contractual obligation to consider now that a second season has been confirmed. This leaves Woodall, who will soon have a role in the fourth Bridget Jones movie, but he’s certainly the long shot of the bunch.
Our figurative money’s on either Taylor-Johnson or Page, but don’t count out James. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see, but it sure sounds like we could be close to finding out who will be chosen to don the iconic tux.