When Daniel Craig announced in 2019 that No Time To Die would be his final appearance as 007, the rumour mill about his replacement began in earnest. There have been several names linked with the role, but if the latest betting markets are anything to go by it could be one of many actors right now.
One name that has shot to the top of the betting pile is James Norton, who has received considerable support, becoming the new favourite to replace Craig. Norton, aged 37, shot to stardom in his lead role as Tommy Lee Royce in the hit television series Happy Valley. It’s a role that he’s held since 2014, alongside other main role appearances such as Alex Godman in McMafia (2018), Prince Andrei Bolkonsky in War & Peace (2016) and Sidney Chambers in Grantchester (2014-19).
The second favourite to replace Craig as James Bond is currently Aaron Taylor Johnson, followed by Henry Cavil. Johnson is an English actor that’s appeared in notorious films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron and Kick-Ass. He landed a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in the 2016 thriller Nocturnal Animals too.
Meanwhile, 39-year-old Brit Cavil has starred in a string of popular television dramas, namely Midsomer Murders and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, as well as movies like Mission: Impossible – Fallout and The Main from U.N.C.L.E. However, recent comments from producers suggest they may be looking for someone younger.
The key ingredients needed for the next James Bond
One of the number-one attributes of any 007 character is their calm and suave nature. They are quintessentially British in every way – with a killer instinct that’s second to none. It’s what makes Bond so irresistible to the female of the species, after all.
Bond may not be your typical ‘Action Man’ figure on the big screen, but he’s always had a good physique and general stature. You only have to think back to the likes of Sean Connery and Roger Moore to see that 007 has always cut an imposing figure, whether it’s wooing a young lady or playing cards at the baccarat table. Speaking of which, Bond has always had a penchant for this card game that’s become a huge favourite in Asia, due largely to its existence as a game of pure chance. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to adopt a baccarat strategy to assist with bet sizing and general bankroll management. Bond’s baccarat approach attempts to cover all bases by betting on the Banker, the Player and the Tie.
A dry sense of humour is also a must for any wannabee Bond. 007 has always had the potential to drop a witty one-liner out of the blue. Humour is also a sign of intelligence and that’s something secret agents need in spades.
The best James Bonds have always exuded confidence too. Almost to the point of overconfidence. As a trained man of action with weapons and gadgets at his beck and call, who can blame him? One thing is for certain, it’s going to be fascinating to see which way the directors go with Craig’s replacement. The betting markets suggest they will have no shortage of applicants to fill the void.
