James Bond: British actor 'new favourite' for 007 role

Lydia Davies

By Lydia Davies


Published: 29/11/2025

- 07:00

Updated: 29/11/2025

- 07:16

The Fantastic Beasts actor could be taking on the famous role

Callum Turner has surged to the top of bookmakers’ predictions for the next James Bond, with betting firm Coral cutting his odds to 7-4 following an unprecedented wave of wagers in the past day.

The 35-year-old British actor has leapfrogged contenders including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James in the race to succeed Daniel Craig, who departed the franchise in 2021.


The dramatic shift in betting patterns has positioned Mr Turner as the clear frontrunner for the coveted 007 role, which has remained unfilled for more than four years.

His sudden rise marks one of the most significant developments in the ongoing speculation surrounding Britain’s most famous fictional spy.

James BondDaniel Craig was the latest James Bond | GETTY

The extraordinary betting surge prompted Coral to slash the Fantastic Beast actor's odds from their previous 5-2 position.

"We've been knocked over with support for Callum Turner in our next James Bond betting over the last 24 hours.

"The British actor is now the red-hot favourite for the role," Coral’s John Hill told Metro.

Mr Hill emphasised the sheer volume of wagers placed on Mr Turner, describing him as the "red-hot favourite" following the steep odds movement.

Callum Turner

Callum Turner gained the top spot of bookmakers’ predictions for the next James Bond

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PA

His meteoric rise has placed him ahead of several long-standing favourites who had dominated discussion about the next incarnation of Ian Fleming’s iconic secret agent.

The sudden transformation in odds represents one of the most dramatic shifts in Bond betting markets since Daniel Craig’s departure.

Mr Turner, who stars in the television series Eternity and is engaged to pop star Dua Lipa, has been floated as a candidate for some time.

His recent on-screen role opposite Elizabeth Olsen has intensified speculation about his suitability for 007.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a strong contender to be the next James Bond

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GETTY

Despite Turner’s dominance, several other prominent names remain in contention.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and White Lotus star Theo James both stand at 3-1, while Henry Cavill holds 6-1 odds.

Further contenders include Anthony Boyle at 10-1, Harris Dickinson at 12-1, and both Jack Lowden and James Norton at 16-1.

Line of Duty actor Martin Compston also features among the possibilities.

Regé-Jean Page has recently re-entered the conversation after several quiet months.

Theo JamesTheo James has long been tipped as a possible James Bond candidate | PA

When asked about the speculation by Entertainment Tonight, he responded evasively: "It’s not something I’ve thought about very much."

The extensive list of potential candidates reflects the intense interest surrounding the vacant role, though Turner’s dramatic odds cut has placed him firmly in front among punters.

A new film is confirmed to be in development, with sources saying Dune director Denis Villeneuve and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight attached.

Mr Villeneuve is widely reported to be seeking three qualities in the next 007: male, British, and relatively unknown—criteria that could disadvantage Hollywood’s more established stars.

Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan also addressed talk of his return during a GQ Men of the Year interview.

"Of course, people ask about Bond – ‘would you?’ and whatever – but that’s another man’s job," he said, firmly ruling out any comeback.