Sydney Sweeney makes bombshell bid to play James Bond with cryptic remark amid first female 007 speculation

The 28-year-old star told US publication Variety that she "can't" when it came to addressing rumours about a possible Bond girl role.

When pressed about whether she would accept the supporting role, Ms Sweeney suggested an alternative proposition, delving further: "Depends on the script.

"I think I'd have more fun as James Bond," she teased to the publication, sparking widespread debate among the spy film's fandom.

The upcoming 007 film remains in early development stages, with Amazon MGM Studios having secured creative control of the franchise earlier this year from longtime bosses Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will pen the screenplay, whilst Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct. The film will be produced through Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman overseeing production.

Ms Broccoli had long insisted that Daniel Craig's successor would be male, but after she departed the project, the rumour mill began once again.

Ms Sweeney is believed to be a favourite among Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and new director Mr Villeneuve. The actress attended Mr Bezos's Venice wedding to Lauren Sánchez earlier this year.

Later in the interview with Variety, Ms Sweeney did downplay her bid to take on the titular role, however. "To be honest, I don't know all the Bond rumours," she said.

"But I've always been a huge fan of the franchise, and I'm excited and curious to see what they do with it."

Ms Sweeney's remarks come just days after one bookmaker in the UK slashed the odds on one actor to take on the role, ousting longtime frontrunner Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the sole favourite.

The Kick-Ass star has been tipped for the 007 role ever since Mr Craig announced his departure, but now, he faces stiff competition.

A spokesperson from Betfred explained: "Despite holding the outright position as favourite since June and being odds-on since late July, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been joined by Callum Turner at the top of the betting market to become the next James Bond.

"The pair are both priced at 7/4 to be named as the next 007, with Taylor-Johnson moving out from 8/11 and Turner closing in from 11/4.

"It’s now neck and neck between the pair to land the coveted role, whilst Man of Steel’s Henry Cavill trails them at 11/2 to make up the leading trio."

It isn't a foregone conclusion that either Mr Taylor-Johnson or Mr Turner will land the part, however.

There are several other big names in the running, albeit at longer prices than the two stars.

“One-time favourite Theo James has drifted out to 10/1 from 8s and moves alongside Elvis star Austin Butler," the spokesperson explained.

"Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden is another frontrunner to move out from 8s, but has drifted more significantly than James and is now a 12/1 outsider."