James Bond star Daniel Craig will depart the role after his fifth movie, No Time To Die, next year. With the position being one of the most coveted jobs going, the list of favourites to take over is constantly shifting as the release date draws gradually nearer. Today, it seems Tom Hardy is charging back into the running with bookies.
The Peaky Blinders star, who was previously priced at 8-1 to be the next 007, has had his odds trimmed to just 7-1 by Ladbrokes.
This makes him the fifth most likely to step into Craig’s shoes as the iconic spy.
Meanwhile, Outlander actor Sam Heughan is holding steady as the favourite, priced at 5-2.
Hot on the Scot’s heels are James Norton, Richard Madden and Tom Hiddleston at 5-1.
READ MORE: JAMES BOND 25: NO TIME TO DIE STAR REVEALS DRAMATIC CHANGE TO FILM
After Hardy, Michael Fassbender (8-1) and Henry Golding (10-1) are also on the list.
Elsewhere, reports claim Craig might be set to return to the Bond franchise in a different capacity after his final appearance as the title character.
According to the Mail on Sunday’s 007 source, producer Barbara Broccoli is eyeing him for the job as director, with the insider saying: “Daniel has been the driving force behind Bond 25. He is determined to go out in style.
“He hired Phoebe [Waller-Bridge] and he’s been closely involved in every aspect of this film, from the script to the development of the characters.
Following rumours Bond will be married to his Spectre love interest Madeleine Swann (played by Leading Seydoux) at the start of No Time To Die, actress Naomie Harris, who plays Eve Moneypenny, confirmed there were some radical changes to the character in the upcoming 25th movie.
In light of Fleabag creator Waller-Bridge being brought on board to help with the script, Harris told The Guardian: “In Bond 25 you have four strong, intelligent women who are responsible for driving the plot forward. They’ve never had that in Bond before.
“[Bond’s] not disrespecting women, he’s not after a woman because of how attractive she looks and what quality lay she is. He’s genuinely in a relationship with a woman he respects, loves and cherishes,” she added.
Bond will begin No Time To Die having retired from active service and enjoying some down time in Jamaica.
However, his tranquil life doesn’t last long as his old friend Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) turns up needing him for a new mission.
The CIA agent asks for Bond’s help after a scientist is kidnapped, leading him on the hunt for a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
James Bond: No Time To Die will be released in UK cinemas April 3 2020.
