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The name’s James… Theo James? The speculation over who will take up the mantle as the next James Bond has taken a dramatic twist, with Theo James now emerging as the shock new frontrunner for the coveted role.
With the next instalment of the iconic spy franchise inching closer to production, all eyes are once again on the Bond betting boards, and this week, it’s the British actor best known for The Divergent Series and HBO’s The White Lotus who’s leading the pack. Both Ladbrokes and Coral have placed James at the top of their lists, overtaking long-standing favourites like Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Credit: Radio Times
Currently, Ladbrokes have James at 6/4, edging out Cavill at 3/1, Taylor-Johnson at 7/2, and Jack Lowden at 8/1. Coral’s odds mirror that sentiment, also listing James at 6/4, followed by Cavill and Taylor-Johnson, with James Norton (6/1) and Lowden (12/1) trailing behind.
James, 39, has built a reputation for playing charismatic, morally complex characters, making him a compelling candidate for a modern-day Bond. His recent roles in The White Lotus and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen have only fuelled fan excitement, with many pointing out his natural blend of charm, danger, and unpredictability, all essential ingredients for the next 007.
But while the bookies might be convinced, James himself has remained modest in addressing the rumours. In an earlier interview with The Guardian, he seemed to cast doubt on his interest in donning the tuxedo:
“Everyone's interested in playing Bond because it's a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn't be me.
I do think there are better people for that job. And honestly it would be terrifying... you're opening Pandora's Box.”
Despite his cautious comments, fans aren’t convinced the actor is entirely out of the running. Many are interpreting his humility as part of the franchise’s famously secretive casting process, and with producers keeping tight-lipped about any official decisions, the speculation is only getting hotter.
One thing’s for certain: with Daniel Craig having firmly exited the role, the race to become the next Bond is reaching fever pitch, and Theo James may just be sipping that shaken-not-stirred martini sooner than he thinks.
Credit: Warner Bros.
