Long-time favourite for the role of James Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, has had his hopes of landing the part dealt a rather crushing blow.
That's because a new actor has soared in betting markets to take over from Daniel Craig in the iconic spy role, meaning Taylor-Johnson's appointment is far from a foregone conclusion.
Rumours tying Taylor-Johnson to the role have been rife for years, with the Kick-Ass and 28 Years Later star doing little to quash the speculation of late.
The 35-year-old delivered a cryptic response when quizzed on the film franchise at a red carpet event earlier this year, plus he recently announced a deal with Bond watchmakers Omega.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been leading the race to play James Bond next
| GETTYDespite these clues pointing towards him being the ideal successor Craig, bookmakers have confirmed he faces stiff opposition for the part from Callum Turner.
The Bafta nominee is arguably best known for his role in Apple series Master of the Air. However, his CV also boasts roles in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, The Capture, Assassin's Creed, War & Peace, and many more.
With the next Bond flick beginning to take shape thanks to the arrivals of writer Steven Knight and director Denis Villeneuve, punters are tipping Turner to be the man to lead the iconic spy franchise over Taylor-Johnson.
The team at Free Bets Casino explained: "British actor Callum Turner has stunned the market, vaulting into joint-favourite position at 2/1 - just days after being considered a second-tier contender.
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Daniel Craig announced his 007 exit in 2019 | PA"Known for roles in Masters of the Air and Fantastic Beasts, Turner’s odds have shortened dramatically, putting him level with long-time frontrunner Aaron Taylor‑Johnson.
"Taylor‑Johnson, previously leading the field alone, now faces serious competition as producers reportedly seek a balance of credibility and franchise freshness.
"Meanwhile, Henry Cavill, once the overwhelming favourite, has drifted out to 10/3, as momentum shifts away from more established names."
Delving into the reasons behind the shift, they added: "The rise of Callum Turner is more than just a market anomaly—it reflects a broader appetite for a new type of Bond.
Callum Turner has soared in the race to replace Daniel Craig
|PA
"One that blends dramatic depth with franchise potential, and perhaps one ready to lead the series into a more emotionally complex, modern direction.
"With no confirmed casting timeline, the market remains fluid—but this latest shake-up suggests that Turner’s time in the shadows is over."
Turner and Taylor-Johnson may now be tied at the top of the market ahead of Cavill, but neither are guaranteed the part just yet.
Also in the running is Theo James at 15/2, Jack Lowden at 18/1, Harris Dickinson at 20/1, and Jacob Elordi at 20/1.
Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has fuelled speculation of a Bond stint | GETTYOne man who ruled himself out of the running this week was Twisters star Glen Powell. The Texan heart-throb suggested Bond bosses should ensure they hire a Brit for the part.
He told The Hollywood Reporter: "I'm Texan. A Texan should not play James Bond. My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond.
"Get an authentic Brit for that job. That's who belongs in that tuxedo."
Bond has also been in the news thanks to Helen Mirren's stance that the role should remain male amid widespread speculation about the film franchise's future.
Daniel Craig's replacement is still yet to be confirmed for the next Bond film | PA“I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy,” Mirren told Saga magazine. “You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.”
Former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan also weighed in on the news film, telling the same publication: “I wish them well. I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character.
Henry Cavill previously auditioned for the role of Bond | PA"I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving.
"And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying, ‘Show us what you’re going to do.'”