This year marks the 70th anniversary of Ian Fleming’s James Bond and movie fans are hopeful that the seventh official 007 star will be announced at some point this year.
After all, it’s been 18 months since Daniel Craig bowed out as the MI6 spy with a shock death in No Time To Die.
Whoever is cast will be helming the biggest reboot the franchise has seen since the outgoing star earned his Licence To Kill in Casino Royale.
Rumours have abounded of auditions for the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, while some fans are hopeful that the previously considered Henry Cavill will be in with a better chance this time around.
The pair may be the bookies’ favourites, but one rising star has come out of nowhere and is threatening their lead.
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According to William Hill, Paapa Essiedu is now 3-1 to be the next Bond, in joint third with James Norton. Meanwhile, Cavill is in second on 5-2 and Taylor-Johnson remains at the top on 11-8.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “There’s been more interesting movement in the betting for the Next James Bond actor, with Paapa Essiedu shaking up the market and emerging as one of the frontrunners for the role. Essiedu wasn’t even an option over the likes of Piers Morgan and David Beckham (both 1000/1) at the start of this week, but after entering the market at 8/1 on Wednesday, he is now the joint-third favourite at 3/1 to replace Daniel Craig.”
The 32-year-old BAFTA TV nominee is known for Gangs of London and I May Destroy You and is set to star in Black Mirror season 6 this summer. He also had small film roles in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express and A24’s folk horror Men.
As for why he’s suddenly had his odds shortened at the bookies to be the next Bond is anyone’s guess.
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