The name’s Bond… Paul Bond? Whilst the next chapter of the James Bond story won’t be released until at least 2025, that doesn’t stop the whispers around which actor will most likely take over from Daniel Craig in the legendary role.
For many months now, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been the hot favourite – with it being rumoured that the star was actually offered the part for the 26th movie in the franchise’s history.
But now, there’s a new name on everyone’s lips: Irish heart-throb, Paul Mescal. Best known for playing melancholy romantic leads, Mescal is soon to take on his biggest role yet, in the upcoming blockbuster Gladiator II – which is sure to take his already-shining career to new heights.
But who will win in Taylor-Johnson vs Mescal? Or will another suave dark horse swoop in and take the prize? Well, betting sites continue to review their next James Bond odds, ahead of the announcement as to who Craig’s replacement will be. The latest predictions are in…
The Next James Bond Odds
Whilst we’ve seen the depiction of James Bond in many forms – from Sean Connery to Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and most recently, Daniel Craig – there’s no doubt about it that Bond’s character is always suave, charming and quintessentially British. So, naturally, a lot of thought must go into choosing who’s going to carry on this esteemed legacy.
The successful candidate must be poised, charismatic, able to pull off a smooth English gentleman accent, and not to mention… devastatingly handsome, too.
Long-running favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson
It’s been rumoured for quite some time that the British actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, has been high up on the casting team’s list for the Bond role – and we certainly see why.
The young star has already proved his crime-fighting abilities as seen in films such as Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Tenet and most recently, Bullet Train – though he certainly won’t need a superhero cape and mask if he’s stepping into Bond’s shoes.
Taylor-Johnson has also portrayed complex characters including John Lennon in Nowhere Boy and won a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his role in Nocturnal Animals.
It’s for these reasons that Taylor-Johnson is now the 1/2 favourite in the next James Bond odds.
Paul Mescal closing in on first place
Despite bookies making Taylor-Johnson an odds-on shot, Irish actor Paul Mescal, has made the most notable move in recent weeks and is now second favourite at Evens to close in on the James Bond role.
The 28-year-old star burst onto our screens during lockdown, when he played the romantic lead, Connell, in the hit BBC Mini Series, Normal People. Mescal earned a BAFTA TV Award and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the show.
Since then, Mescal has fast-tracked to fame, bagging roles in the coming-of-age indie film, Aftersun and co-star to fellow Irishman, Andrew Scott in last year’s romantic fantasy flick, All of Us Strangers. He’s certainly proven his track record for capturing the attention (and hearts) of the female audience and will surely have no problem seducing the next Bond Girl…
In November 2024, the actor will be making his biggest screen appearance yet – starring in the upcoming Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, where all eyes are sure to be on him.
What do you think, will Paul Mescal swap his gladiator sword and shield for a tux and martini at MI6?
Top 5 Bond contenders include James Norton, Theo James and Jacob Elordi
Of course, it’s not guaranteed that either Mescal or Taylor-Johnson will be the next 007.
English actor, Theo James has climbed the tables significantly over the last few weeks and is now in third place at 6/4 odds.
James gained notable recognition for playing Tobias in The Divergent Series film trilogy, as well as starring in hit TV shows, The Gentlemen and The White Lotus. We can certainly see him delivering the line “shaken, not stirred” with perfect ease.
James Norton is another contender that has climbed the list of potential James Bond’s in recent weeks, currently at 2/1.
Norton is known for a number of impressive roles, including the award-winning Happy Valley TV show, as well as Grantchester, War & Peace and McMafia. He’s also shown his range by taking to the stage last year in the theatre adaptation of the heartbreaking novel, A Little Life. Norton will soon be starring in a brand-new ITV drama, Playing Nice; a psychological thriller.
Another name in the rumour mill is Australian actor, Jacob Elordi, who’s at 5/2. You’ll probably know him best from the unsettling thriller-comedy, Saltburn that divided audiences last year.
And we know what you’re thinking – an Australian?! But it wouldn’t be the first time Bond was played by an Aussie. Though a short stint, the second-ever Bond actor was played by George Lazenby, in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).
Not looking likely for Superman, Henry Cavill or Rocketman’s Egerton
Falling down the odds table are Henry Cavill at 5/1 and Taron Egerton at 4/1.
Whilst Cavill has featured heavily in the outright betting to be the next 007 over the last year, he’s no longer a favourite.
Despite taking on some iconic roles in recent years, including Superman, Sherlock Holmes and Napoleon Solo, it’s argued that Cavill is perhaps a little too old to take on the Bond role (41), as producers are looking for a younger actor.
As for Egerton, whilst the British actor has received lots of critical acclaim for his portrayal of Elton John in Rocketman, and played a rather Bond-like role in The Kingsman, the star himself said: “I don’t think I’m the right choice for it,” when addresses 007 rumours back in 2023. And it looks like the polls are beginning to agree with him.
The best of the rest
Also on the Bond league tables are Jonathan Bailey 3/1, Barry Keoghan 8/1, and Richard Madden 10/1 – all of which would make stellar choices for the iconic character, if you ask us.
If you want to bet on the next James Bond odds, plenty of betting sites offer markets for entertainment. You can choose one of our betting sign up offers to get started and wager on James Bond 26!
Only time will tell which leading man is to take the highly-coveted Bond role. Whoever he is, he’s got very big boots (and a dapper tuxedo) to fill.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
