For all the noise, the online commentary, and the social media wailing from all sides, if you really want to know what is going on, then you can usually look to the bookmakers for guidance. From major election results to the latest trends, bookies tend to get it right a lot of the time. This is why some recent James Bond-related activity in the betting markets could be worthy of note.
After a few years off the big screen, 007 is set to return and, it is fair to say, that after some concerns over the new creative overlords being Amazon MGM Studios, the new regime didn’t seem to be making any mistakes.
Firstly, there was a memo, seemingly from the very top of Amazon, warning the creative team at the studios against any “current-year” meddling in the franchise.
Then, Amazon MGM installed a highly experienced producing duo in the form of David Heyman and Amy Pascal. Pascal oversaw aspects of Bond when Sony had the distribution gig, and Heyman was well-known for helping repel borders around Harry Potter when a load of American studio idiocy threatened to engulf the mega-franchise.
They then snagged a Premier League director in the form of Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, who is an avowed 007 fan. This was topped off by the announcement that acclaimed writer and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was on board to write the next movie.
So far, so good. Of course, the most important decision is who they will choose to play James Bond himself. It is a role like no other in terms of exposure and profile around the casting. It was here that there was much confusion.
For about two years, there have been claims that Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been offered the part. He seemed to phase out of the #1 position as the creative shift to Amazon was completed. Other rumors suggested that there was a shortlist of three on the minds of producers, and that was Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson.
As the announcement approaches, it is normal to see a lot of activity in betting markets, and it is here that things get interesting. A new frontrunner has emerged following some movements at the bookmakers.
For the first time, Callum Turner is now the clear favourite via the odds. He appeared in the Fantastic Beasts franchise and recently played John ‘Bucky’ Egan in the miniseries Masters of the Air.
He was also a breakout star in The Boys In The Boat and The Only Living Boy in New York. His odds are now at 5/2. Fantastic Beasts was a David Heyman production, and he is considered a bright, young talent. Turner was previously linked to the role about a year ago, but this recent activity has seen him installed as betting favorite.
Out of interest, here are the latest odds on the rest of the main runners and riders for the role of James Bond:
Aaron Taylor-Johnson – 10/3
Henry Cavill – 9/2
Jacob Elordi – 15/2
Theo James – 8/1
Jack Lowden – 9/1
Harris Dickinson – 10/1
Tom Holland – 12/1
Aaron Pierre – 12/1
James Norton 14/1
Sam C. Wilson 14/1
Paddy Gibson – 16/1
Paul Mescal – 20/1
When the announcement is made, it will probably be somebody nobody is expecting, and with a moderate profile rather than an already established Hollywood star. By this metric, a few on that list are definitely out, and a few more, including Turner, look like strong possibilities.
