Callum Turner's hopes of becoming the next James Bond have suffered somewhat of a setback after fresh betting market movements suggested the race to replace 007 may be more competitive than previously thought.
The actor, who recently married global pop star Dua Lipa, has long been considered the frontrunner to inherit the iconic role.
However, according to the latest odds from William Hill, Turner has drifted to 6/5, marking his longest price since February and raising questions about whether his grip on the coveted role is beginning to loosen.
Just months ago, Mr Turner was as short as 4/6 to become the next Bond, with many industry watchers viewing him as the clear favourite.
The couple married this week, with the singer in the running to sing the next Bond song
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While he still leads the betting market, the gap between Mr Turner and his closest rivals has narrowed significantly.
Harris Dickinson has emerged as a serious challenger at 7/2, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains firmly in contention at 9/2.
Australian actor Jacob Elordi is also attracting support at 5/1, ensuring the race remains wide open.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said the latest odds movement suggests there is no certainty surrounding the casting decision.
Mr Dickinson has taken over the race to become the next James Bond
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"Callum Turner and Dua Lipa have both been touted as potentially playing a part in the next James Bond film, with the newlywed actor and singer among the favourites to play 007 and sing the opening theme tune respectively," Mr Phelps explained.
"Turner has long been the frontrunner to secure the 007 role, but that might now be less certain with the actor at his biggest price since February, having drifted out to 6/5 from as short as 4/6."
Mr Phelps added that several leading contenders remain firmly in the mix.
"That means the market is still wide open on who will be the next Bond, with Harris Dickinson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jacob Elordi all names firmly in contention."
Mr Elordi follows closely behind
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The betting update comes amid continued speculation over the future direction of the James Bond franchise, with fans eagerly awaiting confirmation of who will succeed Mr Craig.
Despite the setback in the Bond market, Mr Turner and his wife could still find themselves linked to the franchise in a major way.
The singer is currently the second favourite to perform the next Bond theme song at odds of 11/4, behind only Lana Del Rey at 5/2.
Mr Phelps noted that the newlyweds could yet achieve a unique Bond double.
Mr Taylor-Johnson was originally the first name in the running
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"Dua Lipa is also among the favourites to sing the next Bond theme tune at 11/4, with only Lana Del Rey ahead of her in the market, meaning the newly married could still be on course for a famous 007 double act."
While Mr Turner remains the man to beat, the latest market shift suggests bookmakers are becoming less convinced that the role is his to lose.
With several high-profile names continuing to attract support, the battle to become cinema's next James Bond appears far from settled.
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