Next James Bond: Lashana Lynch odds improve to be first female 007 after Daniel Craig snub

Daniel Craig has played James Bond for 15 years after making his debut in 2006’s Casino Royale, before going to star in five 007 films. No Time To Die brings his journey to an end and marks the beginning of the next actor’s time as Bond. Although the actor has not yet been announced, the odds suggest it could be a woman for the first time ever.

These three candidates are followed by James Norton who has an impressive 4/1 in the odds.

Lashana’s odds have improved so much because her character, Nomi, plays a key role in No Time To Die.

During the film Bond has been absent for five years, leaving MI5 no choice but to assign the 007 moniker to another secret agent: Nomi.

This means the character is already making history as the first woman ever to wield the mantle of 007.

Speaking to Radio Times, Craig suggested a woman should not be the next Bond, before adding there “should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour”.

He added: “Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?”

Bond boss Barbara Broccoli also spoke out about the possibility of a female character last year.

She said: “[Bond] can be of any colour, but he is male.” (Via Variety)

Broccoli went on: “I believe we should be creating new characters for women – strong female characters.

“I’m not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it. I think women are far more interesting than that.”

James Bond No Time To Die hits cinemas September 30.