Ever since Daniel Craig announced that ‘No Time To Die’ would be his last James Bond film, there has been feverish speculation about his successor.
The successful candidate will become the eighth actor to play Ian Fleming’s iconic character, following Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig
James Bond: Why the next Scottish actor to play the part may need to say 'stirred, not shaken' – Scotsman comment
There had been speculation that a woman could step into the role but the bookies’ favourites are all men, with ‘It’s a Sin’ actress Lydia West and ‘Gentleman Jack’ star Suranne Jones outsiders at odds of 33/1.
And it’s expected that 2024 will be the year when the big announcement is made.
Here are the 13 actors most hotly tipped to don the tuxedo and enjoy a vodka martini, shaken not stirred.
Read more:
5. Regé-Jean Page
Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page was favourite for the iconic role for a few weeks last year. He's now drifted out to 5/1. Photo: Daniel Knighton
6. Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy has played a major part in making Peaky Blinders one of the most talked about television series of recent years and he's favourite to win a Best Actor Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer. He's no stranger to blockbusters generally, having starred in everything from The Dark Knight Trilogy to A Quiet Place Part II. He is 6/1 to add James Bond to his impressive CV. Photo: Jason Mendez
7. Tom Hardy
Venom star Tom Hardy has long been rumoured as a potential 007, and according to the experts has a decent chance of making the role his own - with odds of 7/1. Photo: Tristan Fewings
8. Sope Dirisu
Not even in the frame until a few weeks ago, Sope Dirisu's odds of becoming Bond have been slashed to 8/1. He was recently on our screens in season three of Slow Horses and starred in Sky Atlantic's Gangs of London and period drama Mr. Malcolm's List. Photo: Gareth Cattermole