Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill have become the go-to picks for the next James Bond role, but a new entry looks set to put them in jeopardy.
It has been revealed that a new name has entered the ring as Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu has been named as the number three contender by gambling giant William Hill.
This year marks the 70th birthday of Ian Fleming’s James Bond and fans are tingling as they await the reveal of the next star, with William Hill revealing the chances for the part and who will be played against whom.
A spokesman said: “There has been more interesting movement in the betting for the Next James Bond actor, with Paapa Essiedu shaking up the market and emerging as one of the front-runners for the role…
Essiedu wasn’t even an option over Piers Morgan and David Beckham (both 1000/1) at the start of the week, but after going 8/1 on Wednesday he is now joint third favourite. at 3/1 to replace Daniel Craig…
“That award puts him level with James Norton to get the part, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson (11/8) and Henry Cavill (5/2) still ahead.”
Strange race: Aaron Taylor-Johnson (pictured) and Henry Cavill have become the favorite picks for the next James Bond role – but a new entry could put them at risk
New bond? While it’s been a year and a half since Daniel Craig last appeared as Bond in No Time To Die, producers are taking their time to make up their minds as this role brings one of the biggest reboots the franchise has ever seen (Henry Cavill in the photo).
New favourite: Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu appears to be the third most chosen choice for James Bond as he threatens their lead
While it’s been a year and a half since Daniel Craig last appeared as Bond in No Time To Die, producers are taking their time to make up their minds as this role will represent one of the biggest reboots in the franchise.
It’s rumored that Aaron, 32, had a secret audition and is still the most voted star for the part. According to Puck NewAaron sat down with producer Barbara Broccoli and sources say the meeting went “very well.”
In December, it was reported that Aaron had shot scenes as a secret agent, filming the memorable “gun barrel teaser” images seen in the films over the years.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Aaron has impressed bosses so much that he filmed one of the franchise’s famous teaser scenes, something all the actors do. That step brings him one step closer to signing a deal.”
They added, “Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalog of action films.”
Long wait: This year marks the 70th birthday of Ian Fleming’s James Bond – fans are tingling as they wait for the next star to be revealed
However, the source went on to say that nothing has been officially confirmed yet and it is unclear what the next steps might be.
Meanwhile, other fans have been calling for Henry, 40, to star as Bond – as previously considered and hoping for a better outcome this time around.
According to the Mail On Sunday, boss Barbara has made it clear she wanted the next actor to play the character for 15 years, meaning the 30-year-old is the perfect age to step into the role.
The two British heartthrobs have been battling for victory – but there’s a new star entering the odd race for the 007 franchise.
Emmy nominee Paapa would be the third most chosen choice for James Bond as he threatens their lead.
Audition: According to Puck News, Aaron sat down with producer Barbara Broccoli and sources claim the meeting went ‘very well’ after he reportedly filmed a secret audition late last year
Opportunities: Meanwhile, other fans have been calling for Henry Cavill, 40, to star as Bond – as previously considered and hoping for a better outcome this time around
Not a chance: The claim eventually lost credibility as some executives feared his appearance on the 2011 reality show Celebrity Big Brother tainted the chances of landing such an elitist role (pictured Lucien Laviscount)
The I May Destroy You star is now 3-1 to become the next James Bond, tied for third with James Norton, according to William Hill.
Meanwhile, Henry is second at 5-2 and Aaron remains on top at 11-8.
One of the reasons why Paapa has suddenly caught the attention of bookmakers as the next Bond – could be that Broccoli and her team are keen to have an ethnic minority star to play 007, so that the franchise is reflective of modern society .
In fact, Emily In Paris star Lucien Laviscount has previously won millions of fans as the next possible pick for the franchise.
The claim eventually lost credibility as some executives feared that his performance on the 2011 reality show Celebrity Big Brother tainted the chances of such an elitist role.
A source said: ‘Lucien ticks all the boxes. He is a super talented actor, is extremely handsome and has gained a lot of new fans in the last 18 months since joining Emily In Paris.
“Bond bosses are already saying how you can see him in the 007 tuxedo, how neat and appropriate for the role he will look.
“But there is a sticking point, and that is Big Brother. Lucien appeared on the show at a time when his acting career was not as high profile as it is today, but he was very popular back then and now has a fan base that spans generations. That is a dream for Barbara who is very pleased with him.’
Meanwhile, it can also be revealed that despite Ms. Broccoli saying no announcement about a new 007 movie is imminent, stunt men and women are being tested at Pinewood Studios. A source there said: ‘They want to be ready for when things start to move with the new Bond.’
It follows reports that Idris Elba walked away from “years of talks” with movie bosses to become the next Bond, paving the way for a new 007.
After Idris turned down the role, William Hill then put forward Henry Cavill at 5/2, Regé Jean-Page at odds of 4/1, followed by Tom Hardy and James Norton both at 6/1 and Chiwetel Ejiofor at 7 /1 .
Moving on: It follows reports It follows reports that Idris Elba walked away from ‘years of talks’ with movie bosses to become the next Bond, paving the way for a new 007