Current James Bond star Daniel Craig has long been rumored to be done with the role of 007. After four outings, his most recent being 2015's "Spectre," it is possible that Craig hangs up the Beretta and makes room for a new secret agent.
Popular names like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and even Damian Lewis have been thrown around as potential replacements. All would make interesting choices for one of the most well-known and beloved film characters in history. But today comes a strong push for a long-time dark horse candidate: Tom Hiddleston.
The 35-year-old British actor has been linked to the role in the past but was never considered a frontrunner. However, a bookmaker recently suspended betting on who the next James Bond will be after odds swung heavily in Hiddleston's favor.
A frenzy of activity positioned Hiddleston as a 2-1 favorite to replace Craig after rumors emerged that he had met with "Skyfall" and "Spectre" director Sam Mendes and long-time franchise producer Barbara Broccoli in London. A more significant wager pushed Hiddleston's odds to 1-2, and Coral bookmakers made the call to suspend betting.
"There's no smoke without fire, and following the big gamble on Tom Hiddleston in the last 24 hours, we've had no choice but to pull the plug on the market," said Nicola McGeady, a Coral spokesperson. "Earlier in the year there was a gamble on Idris Elba and Damian Lewis, but nothing has come close to the recent gamble on Hiddleston."
Elba and Lewis have been favorites in recent months, but the dramatic shift in odds may suggest that they are no longer in the running.
Bond producers have not commented publicly on Craig's future with the series, nor has the actor officially confirmed or denied his intentions moving forward. Hiddleston, who can be seen on AMC headlining the miniseries "The Night Manager," recently commented on the role, saying, "The position isn't vacant as far as I'm aware. No one has talked to me about it. I think the rumors have come about because in The Night Manager I play a spy and people have made the link."
We'll keep you updated as more details emerge.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
