Three A-list celebrities have been ruled out from the race to find the next actor to play the world-famous 007 according to producers.
Daniel Craig, who embodied the role of James Bond for 16 years, left the role after the conclusion of No Time To Die, which came out earlier this year.
Previously, producers ruled out the chance of a younger Bond, telling The Sun: "Trying to visualize it doesn't work. Remember, Bond's already a veteran.
"He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a 30-something."
These comments leave the door open to dozens of 30+ actors.
Who will be the next James Bond?
Currently, dozens of Betfair favourites are in the race to be the next MI6 intelligence officer.
- Bridgeton's love interest, Rege-Jean Page is the 13/8 favourite to be the next Bond.
- Tom Holland from Spiderman and Henry Cavill have been given a 3/1 chance to take over the role.
- James Norton was given an 11/2 chance.
- Beasts of No Nation and Avengers star, Idris Elba and Tom Hardy, who starred in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, have been tipped as potential new Bonds in the next film franchise, with odds sitting at 7/1.
- Jack Lowden and Taron Egerton have a 8/1 chance according to Betfair.
- Callum Turner, Sope Dirisu, Luke Evans, and Oscar Issaac were given a 10/1.
In a break with tradition, Lashana Lynch has also been highlighted by some as the next 'Bond' after it was revealed her character took over the 007 designations, making her the first black and female actor to do so.
Why did Daniel Craig step down as Bond?
Bond and Nomi have to work together in #NoTimeToDie but can they get along? pic.twitter.com/HCWVkgHIQz
— James Bond (@007) November 10, 2021
Daniel Craig, who has played Bond in five 007 films, stepped down from the role, saying: "It’s time for someone else to have a go."
The long-time Bond actor spoke of his decision to leave in 2021 ahead of his last film.
The events of No Time To Die solidified the decision, leaving the post open to a new actor.
When will the new James Bond be announced?
Fans will likely have to wait for some time according to producers as they are "nowhere near" finding the next man or woman.
Barbara Broccoli told the Mirror: "Once we have a sense of where we want to go, then we’ll start thinking about casting. Normally when we’re making a movie, everybody wants to know who’s going to play Bond, who’s the villain, who’s the lady, who’s singing the song. It’s part of the mystique.
"We’re not just casting someone for one film. We’re casting someone, hopefully, for a decade at least and we’re nowhere near that decision.
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