James Bond: Producers 'want someone in his 30s' says King
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It’s been a year since No Time To Die hit cinemas but just who will be the next James Bond? Barbara Broccoli says production on the reboot is at least two years away but surely the secretive audition process can’t be too far in the future if it hasn’t started already? Whatever the case, William Hill have had a shake-up in their odds as one of the favourites in the race has overtaken some huge stars.
According to the bookies, James Norton’s odds of 9-1 have more than halved down to 4-1. As a result, the 37-year-old star of Happy Valley, McMafia and Grantchester now has better odds than Tom Hardy and Idris Elba.
A spokesman said: “The scale in which James Norton has suddenly overtaken some of the other front runners in the next James Bond betting is particularly noteworthy. He was always in with a shout at 9/1, but we’ve seen some big money come in for him on Wednesday morning and that new price of 4/1 emphatically reflects that.”
Casino Royale runner-up Henry Cavill remains out in front on 2-1, while Norton is second on 4-1, matched by Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page.
Other contenders are Tom Hardy on 9-2, Idris Elba on 6-1, Luke Evans on 8-1, Chiwetel Ejiofor on 9-1 and Michael Fassbender on 11-1.
Norton has been the favourite before, especially after he opened BBC’s McMafia by channelling Bond when he wore a dinner jacket while walking through a casino.
Although at 37, he may be too old given recent comments made by Bond producer Michael G Wilson.
Wilson told Deadline at the BFI Bond at 60 events over the weekend: “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
Regardless, a new UK poll by Showcase Cinemas has 50-year-old Elba as Britain’s favourite to replace Craig. Check out the results below.
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1. Idris Elba (13%)
2. Tom Hardy (11%)
3. Tom Hiddleston (4.3%)
4. James Norton (4%)
5. Henry Cavill (3.8%)
6. Tom Holland (2.9%)
7. Richard Madden (2.8%)
8. Aidan Turner (2.8%)
9. Cillian Murphy (2.6%)
10. Michael Fassbender (2.3%)
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