UK punters have spent £2.3m on bets that Theo James will be the next actor to play James Bond.
Theo James has emerged as the favourite to play Bond, according to Betting Sites Ltd.
Amazon, through its subsidiary MGM Studios, has taken control of the Bond franchise after a deal with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. While they retain partial ownership, they no longer have final say over the future of the franchise.
Theo James, star of The White Lotus and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen emerged as punters top choice for the next Bond, with other bets placed on Harris Dickinson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill and James Norton.
Kevin Daylesford, a Betting Volume Analyst at Betting Sites Ltd, said of Theo James: “They’re throwing down millions—£2.3 million in the last month alone—because he’s got that 007 spark: tough, smooth, and dangerously cool. At 5/1, it’s the bet everyone’s talking about.”
James Norton shut down rumours that he might play Bond at the BAFTA’s last week, saying: “Whoever is deciding on these odds needs to get a new job. It’s so weird and bemusing.”
Following James’ 5/1 to claim Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has a 2/1 odd, James Norton has 6/1 and Henry Cavill has 3/1.