AN unexpected Brit name has been thrown into the ring to play the next James Bond.
Bookmaker Coral has announced the surprising news about who is currently in the lead to scoop the iconic role.
It has been revealed that Jack O’Connell’s name is flying high after seeing support rise over the last 48 hours.
The SAS: Rogue Heroes star is a big contender to jump into James Bond‘s boots with odds to 8-1 (from 33-1).
“Jack O’Connell’s next James Bond odds have collapsed over the last couple of days, with the British actor now just single figures in our betting for the iconic role,” said Coral’s John Hill.
The new movie will be written by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Steven Knight – who was behind iconic TV show Peaky Blinders.
Steven also wrote SAS: Rogue Heroes and worked with Jack on the feature.
The 28 Years Later actor has come a long way since his days in the Skins cast.
O’Connell has played a variety of roles since he starred in the TV teen drama as James Cook from 2009 to 2010 – and for the show’s final season in 2013.
Ever since Daniel Craig said goodbye to the role in 2021 release No Time To Die, the role of super spy 007 has been up for grabs, with speculation rife over who should take over.
Coral stated the odds: 4-5 Callum Turner, 3-1 Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 3-1 Theo James, 6-1 Henry Cavill, 8-1 Jack O’Connell, 10-1 Anthony Boyle, 12-1 Harris Dickinson, 16-1 Jack Lowden, 16-1 James Norton.
Actors thought to be in the running to play Bond include Spider-Man star Tom Holland, 28, Bridget Jones hunk Leo Woodall, 28, SAS Rogue Heroes leading man Connor Swindells, 28, plus Hero Fiennes Tiffin, 27, and Kit Connor, 21.
Irishman Paul Mescal, 29, is also said to be in the frame along with Wuthering Heights heart-throb Jacob Elordi, 27.
Among the other names rumoured to be in the frame included Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner and Henry Cavill.
The Sun recently revealed the latest 007 adventure — spearheaded by new owners Amazon Prime Video — will start filming before the end of the year.
Work has already begun on assembling the crew with a view to starting filming late autumn into early winter.
Amazon has yet to confirm anything about the new Bond movie and there’s no hint as to what it will be called.
But if the cameras start to roll this year it means it could wrap in 2027 and be on our screens by 2028.
The franchise was snapped up by the streaming giants after 2021’s No Time To Die featured the death of the super-spy, played by Daniel Craig.
Who will be the next James Bond?
Names in the mix to play 007 include:
Tom Holland
Fans have come up with a theory that Hollywood producer Amy Pascal – who has worked with Tom for years – could be involved in casting the new 007 film.
Henry Cavill
After playing legend Superman, Henry Cavill is now being tipped to be the next James Bond.
The former superhero would step into the role with ease.
James Nelson-Joyce
The actor first impressed audiences with his acting skills when he starred in Little Boy Blue alongside the legendary Stephen Graham.
Theo James
Theo’s name was thrown into the hat after he wowed fans in Netflix‘s The Gentlemen.
His performance in the Guy Ritchie series made him an ideal candidate for the next actor to fill the shoes of 007.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
The actor has topped the bookies’ list for a long time.
It was after it was revealed back in 2022 that the Brit had already “filmed a top-secret scene” at Pinewood Studios, Berkshire.
James Norton
The actor has been a hot contender for the next Bond for many years.
The chiselled star is known for playing the lead role of Sidney Chambers in Grantchester, and also evil Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley.
Jacob Elordi
Following the release of his blockbuster Hollywood movie Wuthering Heights, the popular actor’s odds to take on the spy role have soared.
After the release of his new flick, Jacob is now said to hold high odds.
Callum Turner
The London-born star was top of the list and has previously dodged questions on whether he’d take on the role.
Harris Dickinson
The newcomer actor’s stock has risen greatly over the past few years with appearances in Where The Crawdads Sing and steamy flick Babygirl, opposite Nicole Kidman.
