Movies

British rising star makes shock appearance among front runners for James Bond takeover amid ongoing speculation over who will be next 007

BBG News

There’s a lot of buzz lately about who might replace Daniel Craig as James Bond in the upcoming Bond film series installment.

Currently, an up-and-coming British talent has made his way into the top contenders, surprising many with his odds being among the favorites by betting agencies.

The actor had a huge year in 2024 as he lead one of the most anticipated Disney live action films. 

007 enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating news about the release date of the upcoming Bond film, ever since Daniel Craig wrapped up his five-film tenure as the suave British secret agent in “No Time To Die.

As his fame increases, betting agencies are suggesting that he might be chosen for the role of the legendary spy.

Recently, Amazon has assumed creative authority over the beloved franchise, reportedly expediting the production process for the upcoming movie. Hollywood veterans David Heyman and Amy Pascal have been enlisted to usher in a new phase of James Bond productions.

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It has been rumored that Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill might take on the part, with Theo James being recently tipped as the front-runner by betting odds last month.

However, footballer Aaron Pierre, who plays as Mufasa for his team, has recently moved into contention, with bookmakers William Hill giving him the same odds of 8/1 as Cavill.

In terms of likelihood, the bookmaker favors Taylor-Johnson, offering odds of approximately 5/4 (11/8), whereas James is given odds of about 3.5/1 (7/2). This suggests that Taylor-Johnson has a higher probability of assuming the role compared to James.

I’m right on the heels of Pierre and Cavill, with James Norton from Happy Valley close by. Meanwhile, Jack Lowden from Slow Horses is hot on my heels, seemingly trying to catch up.

This past month, gambling firms unveiled their predictions for the identity of the next James Bond antagonist, and a surprising common household name emerged as the frontrunner.

Without a doubt, the clear favorite among them is Cillian Murphy, the talented actor from “Peaky Blinders,” standing tall at the summit of OLBG’s betting odds, with a chance of winning at approximately 45%.

Previously suggested for the role of James Bond, the Irish actor who is renowned for his portrayal of Thomas Shelby, however, expressed reservations about the possibility due to his age, saying modestly to Deadline, “I believe I might be a little too old for that part.

Additionally, among those in contention for the role of the Bond villain are American actor Paul Giamatti, David Dastmalchian from “The Boogeyman,” and the unexpected choice Zendaya, with odds of 7/1.

In contrast to her past roles where she often played the heroine, the actress revealed to Elle in 2023 that she is now prepared to embark on a new phase of portraying villains.

‘I would love to play a villain of sorts,’ the 28-year-old said. 

Channel wicked, villainous feelings. These emotions might not be about saving the world as a hero would, but rather understanding and expressing them on a personal level.

‘I feel like I usually play the good guy, so I’d like to play the bad guy.’

Cillian Murphy continues to be the top choice for the part, as Betting Expert Jake Ashton also supports him for the role.

‘The villain role in the Bond movies is just as iconic as Bond himself,’ he said.

At the peak of his talents and enjoying the trust of prominent filmmakers, Cillian Murphy is a clear front-runner.

In “No Time To Die,” Rami Malek, an Academy Award-winning actor, took on the role of the film’s main villain, Lyutsifer Safin. This character is a ruthless terrorist leader and scientist, who seeks to destroy the powerful criminal organization known as SPECTRE, driven by his intense ambition.

Previously, renowned actors such as Christoph Waltz and Javier Bardem portrayed formidable villains in films titled Spectre and Skyfall respectively. These characters, Raoul Silva and the unnamed villain in Spectre, are often compared to some of the most outstanding antagonists in the Bond series.

In previous movies called Spectre and Skyfall, Christoph Waltz and Javier Bardem played bad guys who were as good as some of the best Bond movie baddies.

It’s being reported that decision-makers at Amazon are mulling over potential cities where they might establish their upcoming movie, an eagerly awaited production expected to hit screens towards the end of the coming year or possibly in 2027.

Next year, a filming ban is set to be enforced in Central London. As a result, it’s being rumored that alternative shooting spots might be chosen – and The Sun reports that Liverpool could very well take the lead among these possibilities.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my concerns about potential alterations to the Bond franchise, given that it’s under Amazon’s control now. Some purists and I are uneasy about this development, fearing that it might pave the way for significant modifications in the series we cherish.

‘But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.

From the Batman to Captain America and the Harry Potter films, it’s found its place in various scenarios. In fact, it takes on the role of multiple global cities.

The source mentioned that the story might not necessarily be based in Liverpool, but astute Liverpudlians may recognize their downtown area in the backdrop.

Amazon was approached for a comment regarding the speculation that Liverpool might serve as the location for the upcoming James Bond film.

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2025-06-22 16:19

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