As other names have entered the frame, bookies have massively extended the odds of this particular actor, to the point where he’s now nowhere near the top end of the market.
Of course we’re still a long way away from producers making any decisions on Craig’s successor, so anything could still change – but this will certainly be an interesting development for the many fans keeping a close eye on the runners and riders.
The bad news is for Sam Heughan, who has been extended from 14/1 back in April to 75/1 now, via Betfair.
In fact, this time last year – in July 2018 – he was cut right down to 4/1 amid promotion for his movie The Spy Who Dumped Me.
Heughan is best known for his work in Outlander, in which he plays Jamie Fraser.
The Scottish 39-year-old has also had a successful stage career, and picked up an Olivier Award nomination back in 2003.
A former soap star in Doctors, he was also nominated for Villain of the Year at the British Soap Awards back in 2010.
Earlier this year, he said he’d be more than interested in the chance to play James Bond after Craig’s tenure ends – even after previously auditioning for the job ahead of Casino Royale.
“I think every actor who has ever put a suit on has been talked about for Bond but of course, if it ever arose…,” he told The Nine.
“I did actually audition a long time ago for Bond back when they were doing Bond 21 and it was a great experience.
“But who knows, I guess whoever gets that role will be very busy.”
Richard Madden is still the favourite to take over, and is currently on 5/2 with Ladbrokes.
Tom Hiddleston is a hairline behind on 4/1, and some bookmakers – Betfair included – actually have him very slightly ahead of Madden.
Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, James Norton, Aidan Turner, Cillian Murphy, Damian Lewis and Jack Lowden are also at the top end of the list.
But for now, focus is on the as-yet-untitled Bond 25; which is released next April.
Craig has already made clear that that film – his fifth in the iconic role – will be his last for the franchise.
