It’s one of the biggest roles an actor could scoop and perhaps the most-highly anticipated appointment across the entire film industry.

Rumors have been swirling about who might be the next actor to step into the iconic James Bond role, especially after Daniel Craig bid farewell to the character with the release of No Time To Die.

Since Craig’s departure was announced, a variety of names have been suggested for the coveted role. These range from well-known figures like Luther’s Idris Elba to relatively lesser-known talents such as Scottish actor Stuart Martin.

But there’s a new frontrunner in line to become the next Bond as the blockbuster movie looms ever closer. 

That favourite is none other than The Divergent Series star Theo James, 40, according to both Ladbrokes and Coral. 

To keep up with all the buzz, from celebrity controversies and red carpet blunders to behind-the-scenes photos and trending moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail’s new Showbiz newsletter for all the latest updates.

The British actor has previously impressed while playing rogue, morally ambiguous characters somewhat similar to Bond in both The White Lotus and and Guy Ritchie’s the Gentlemen.

Theo had been one of the frontrunners for the role a couple of years ago but was bumped down odds lists after an interview in The Guardian in 2024.

He told the publication: ‘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 terrifiyng… you’re opening Pandora’s Box.’ 

However speculation linking the 40-year-old to the famous tux seems to have reignited in recent weeks after a number of other actors had stints as favourites, including Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. 

Ladbrokes currently have Theo leading the race with odds of 6/4, putting him above Cavill (3/1), Taylor-Johnson (7/2) and Jack Lowden (8/1) in the running. 

While Coral’s list of candidates comes in as Theo James at 6/4, Henry Cavill (3/1), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (7/2), James Norton (6/1) then Jack Lowden (12/1). 

Odds placing Theo as the favourite come just a week after Superman actor Henry, 42, soared to the top of the the bookies’ lists.

Ladbrokes representative Cal Gildart said: ‘Henry Cavill’s return to the head of the Bond betting didn’t last long, with Theo James as short as anyone has been to pick up the world’s most famous license to kill’.

It seems fans are similarly confident that Theo could be the perfect man for the role with more than 70% of all bets on the next 007 this month placed on him, according to Coral. 

On their list of potential candidates is also Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Stuart Martin.  

Babygirl star Harris had been the bookies’ third favourite to play the iconic character – and last week the 28-year-old addressed rumours linking him to the role.

He was asked at a BFI event in Cannes on Thursday who he thought would be the best Bond with the questioner saying that he was their ‘second choice’.

‘Jonothan Bailey is your first choice,’ so let’s go with that,’ the actor responded. ‘That sounds like a good idea.’ 

Bridgerton star Jonothan, 36, is a name which has been touted for the part at points though he is not currently a frontrunner.

It was announced earlier this year that Amazon Prime had taken over ‘creative control’ of the James Bond franchise leaving fans fearing the beloved films could be ruined by endless spin-offs such as Star Wars. 

The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control. 

The company is said to be fast-tracking the new movie after spending a reported $1 billion to regain control from Barbara Broccoli. 

Producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal have been hired and they are understood to be close to a deal with director Alfonso Cuaron. Then they will go about casting the next Bond.

As The Daily Mail reported, the plan is for a ‘straight up’ reboot after Daniel Craig’s 007 died in No Time To Die. 

There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond. 

Barbara Broccoli’s choice for Bond was thought to be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was once favourite for the role, but Heyman and Pascal are likely to want to choose their own 007. 

Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027. 

Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered – with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun.  

An insider told the publication: ‘This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes.

‘But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.

‘It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.’ 

The source added that it doesn’t necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool – though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.

MailOnline contacted Amazon for comment about the possibility of Liverpool being the setting for the next Bond.