Next James Bond 'revealed' as odds predict one clear favourite

Four years have passed since we last saw Daniel Craig appear on the big screen as the legendary James Bond, but ever since his departure from the world-famous franchise, fans can't help but ask the question: who is next in line?

The final film, No Time To Die, was the 27th addition to the film series; meanwhile, no news has confirmed the next film title or who will be playing the iconic 007 himself. Ian Fleming created the character as a part of his fictional book series back in 1953, and it was in the 1960s that the film industry got a hold of the character, transforming it forever.

Over the course of the last 60 years, the franchise has seen James Bond played by Hollywood legends, including the original actor Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and, of course, Daniel Craig. Now it's believed that Amazon have got their hands on the rights to the films in what was an eye-watering $1 billion purchase, and fans are even more desperate to see who will be taking on this new era.

Betway has weighed in on the issue, releasing odds that mixed the Hollywood heavyweights with a number of rising stars, offering a hint at who could be the chosen one to step into the legendary shoes - and tuxedo. Odds for actors set to play the next James Bond, according to Betway, include pop star Harry Styles, who currently sits at the very bottom of the list with 200/1.

The singer is topped by Will Poulter at 66/1 and Jonathan Bailey with 50/1, but all bets are on the very top half of the list. The all-male lineup includes some of the industry's biggest British actors at the moment, along with some faces that are beginning to emerge, but taking the spot, leading with the odds, is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, at 11/10.

Entering the industry as a child actor, Taylor-Johnson has had quite the career trajectory, from starring in the teenage rom-com Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging in 2008 to featuring in the latest Danny Boyle thriller, 28 Years Later. At 35, the actor seems to be a fan favourite for filling those Bond shoes, bringing a potential new edge to the role as he currently sports long hair and a full beard - a far cry from the suave 007 we know.

WhileTaylor-Johnson may be currently leading the odds, there is a whole wide range of other contenders close behind him. Henry Cavill is a potential lead, with 3/1 odds, followed by Callum Turner at 5/1 and a long-rumoured potential Bond, Theo James, with 8/1.

James has played a number of roles sitting close to the genre, in The White Lotus and The Gentleman, showcasing his ability to play gritty action roles, incorporated with the charm and wit of a typical 007 character. Fans were convinced he'd be the perfect fit, but the odds have begun to slip, and it's believed that he himself has 'shut down' the idea.

He told The Guardian: "Everyone's interested in playing Bond because it's a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn't be me... I do think there are better people for that job. And, honestly, it would be terrifying... You're opening Pandora's box."

Meanwhile, Taylor-Johnson was asked by a reporter at the premiere of his latest film what his next project will be, to which he replied, "I can't talk about it." Fans continue to keep guessing as the iconic franchise prepares for its next chapter, and rumours swirl that the next blockbuster is already in the works.

The full list of odds:

Aaron Taylor-Johnson - 11/10

Henry Cavill - 3/1

Callum Turner - 5/1

Theo James - 8/1

Harris Dickinson - 10/1

Jack Lowden - 10/1

Aaron Pierre - 12/1

James Norton - 16/1

Josh O'Connor - 25/1

Regé-Jean Page - 25/1

Paul Mescal - 25/1

Idris Elba - 33/1

Tom Hardy - 33/1

Cillian Murphy - 33/1

Stuart Martin - 33/1

Jonathan Bailey - 50/1

Will Poulter - 66/1

Harry Styles - 200/1