Next James Bond: Tom Hardy’s odds worsen as BBC star’s chances improve

No Time To Die: Trailer released for official James Bond Podcast

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On Thursday the final Daniel Craig James Bond movie, No Time To Die, hits cinemas. The film is the fifth 007 movie starring Craig and ends his run as the iconic cinematic spy. All eyes are on Bond bosses at MGM over who will take over as the shaken-not-stirred hero in the coming years, and while the likes of Tom Hardy and Regé-Jean Page have been at the top of the Bond odds for some time, things are quickly changing.

Ladbrokes currently has the Bridgerton actor at the top of the odds with 7/4 – however, this is markedly worse than yesterday’s 6/4.

Similarly, Tom Hardy has had his odds moved down from 9/4 to 5/2.

The big change in the Bond odds comes after BBC actor James Norton had his odds slashed drastically after some “big bets” overnight.

The British star, who is best known for appearing in BBC’s McMafia and ITV’s Grantchester, was previously sitting on a comfortable 5/1, but now has a strong 3/1, making him a potential frontrunner.

Ladbrokes’ Jessica O’Reilly said: “Chunky bets are coming in thick and fast for James Norton and punters are seemingly convinced he could be the right man to step into Daniel Craig’s shoes, and tuxedo, as the next James Bond.”

Norton hasn’t got the power to run away with the role just yet, however.

Sitting just behind him is the world’s newest 007, Nomi, who is played by Lashana Lynch in No Time To Die.

Lynch has recently become somewhat a favourite horse in the race, as talks of a potential female Bond become more popular.

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The prospect of a female James Bond has already been struck down by Bond boss Barbara Broccoli, however.

She recently explained: “James Bond is a male character. I hope that there will be many, many films made with women, for women, by women, about women.

“I don’t think we have to take a male character and have a woman portray him. So yes, I see him as male.”

Craig gave a similar opinion when he was asked about the possibility of a woman taking over from him.

Craig recently told Radio Times there “should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour”.

He added: “Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?”

Despite this, Lynch has been awarded an impressive 6/1 odds on putting on a tuxedo and swilling a martini.

This places her in front of the likes of the Lord of the Rings star Luke Evans, who has 8/1, and Superman actor Henry Cavill, who has 10/1.

Coming towards the bottom of the odds is Outlander star Sam Heughan, who has 16/1.

These same odds are held by Marvel and Game of Thrones star Richard Madden.

Just ahead is Loki actor Tom Hiddleston, with 12/1.

James Bond No Time To Die hits cinemas Thursday.

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