The Irish actor still isn’t quite the favourite to take over the role though
Cillian Murphy’s odds to be the next James Bond have been slashed by bookmakers again.
Daniel Craig is set to play the iconic British secret agent for the final time in Bond 25, which is currently scheduled for release on April 8, 2020.
Rumours and bets on who will replace the actor in the role have been ongoing for months, with several different stars thought to be in the running to become the next Bond.
The Peaky Blinders star’s odds have been slashed dramatically in just the last two months. In February, Murphy went from being a 125/1 outside bet to odds of 7/1. According to the website OddsChecker, around 72 percent of all bets were being placed on him at that time.
Now, Esquire reports, Murphy’s odds have been cut again by bookies Betway, putting him at 9/4 and ahead of previous favourites Richard Madden, James Norton, and Tom Hardy. Only two actors are currently ahead of him – Tom Hiddleston and Idris Elba, both on 3/1.
However, it seems unlikely that Elba will take the part. Speaking about the rumours that he would take over from Craig last month, the actor said: “Bond is one of the biggest franchises in the world, and for that reason, whoever ends up playing it, lives it.
“You’re that character, and known as that character for many, many years. I’m creating characters now that can still live alongside Idris. Not ones that take over me and solely define me.”
Meanwhile, it was reported last week (April 2) that Murphy is reportedly in talks to join the cast of A Quiet Place 2.
According to sources, the star is in negotiations with producers about a role in the horror sequel. If successful, he will reportedly play “a man with mysterious intentions who joins the family unit” – referring to Emily Blunt’s character and her two children, Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Marcus (Noah Jupe).
