Daniel Craig is set to leave the 007 role at the end of the year, and while Tom Hardy and Regé-Jean Page have been heavily tipped to replace him, the latest Marvel star might be the next cinematic spy.
The latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, will finally hit theatres next month, bringing Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007 to an end. After he departs from the role of the renowned hero, another actor will step into his shoes. Although his successor has not yet been announced, the odds have been stacked in favor of Venom star Tom Hardy – until now.
Hardy is presently a strong 4/1 favourite to land the next Bond role, but he was recently edged out by a Netflix star.
Regé-Jean Page, the Bridgerton heartthrob, has been given a strong 5/6 odds by Ladbrokes, making him the current favourite.
However, with the release of the latest Marvel film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, things may be about to change.
Simu Liu, a Canadian-Chinese actor, portrays the newest superhero, Shang-Chi.
Due to the overwhelmingly good response to his performance, Ladbrokes has reduced his odds from 20/1 to 16/1.
Simu’s role as Shang-Chi is his first in a film – but could he be eyeing the legendary British part next?
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said:
“Shang-Chi has had rave reviews since its release earlier this month and it looks as though Sim Liu has forced his way into contention when it comes to the Bond betting.”
While his improved prospects are tremendously encouraging, he still has a ways to go.
James Norton, who is 5/1 to become Bond, is just behind Hardy in the betting.
Luke Evans, the star of Beauty and the Beast, is 6/1 behind the McMafia actor.
Evans is followed closely by The Witcher star Henry Cavill, who is at staggering 7/1.
Cavill, on the other hand, may be hesitant to don the tuxedo again, given that he previously auditioned for the role and was deemed “too chubby”.
Cavill fought for the role at the same time as Craig in 2005, but later recalled:
“I probably could have prepared better [for the Bond audition]. I remember the director, Martin Campbell, saying: ‘Looking a little chubby there, Henry.'” (Via Men’s Health)
He went on: “I didn’t know how to train or diet. And I’m glad Martin said something because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better.
“I know what it feels like to go from out of shape to in shape and [afterwards] I’ll look at myself like: ‘Man, well done.'”
Idris Elba, the latest star of The Suicide Squad franchise, is not far behind Cavill.
Elba is one of the most popular British actors and is expected to succeed Craig in the coming years – but he is not overjoyed about the prospect.
Speaking about being a Bond favourite in 2019, he said:
“James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character, that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey. Of course, if someone said to me: ‘Do you want to play James Bond?’ I’d be like: ‘Yeah!’,” (Via Vanity Fair).
He did add, however:
“You just get disheartened when you get people from a generational point of view going: ‘It can’t be.'”
James Bond No Time To Die is scheduled to open in theatres on September 30, 2021.
Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP via Getty Images