One of the top frontrunners for James Bond has ruled out playing the role – but hinted that he may have his eyes on another part in the 007 franchise.
What happens next for the secret agent remains somewhat of a mystery. The franchise has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios, which, for better or worse, signifies a full revamp of the Bond universe.
The studio has taken over creative control of the beloved British franchise, now that longtime bosses Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson have stepped down.
Daniel Craig’s version of Bond was killed off at the end of No Time To Die, a shocking death that marked the close of a 68-year chapter in the beloved series of films.
Ever since, there’s been relentless speculation about who will play the part next.
An endless parade of popular actors has been touted for the role, from Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner, but Amazon Prime Video has so far kept quiet.
One of the top picks for the role has consistently been Henry Cavill, who’s known for playing Superman and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series.
Now, speaking in a new interview, Cavill made it clear that while he will not be playing the role, he still sees a future in the franchise.
‘I didn’t turn the role down – it just wasn’t the right time. What actor wouldn’t love to be Bond?’ he said.
He continued: ‘But at 42, I’d probably be considered a bit old to start now.’
Still, he sees another possible future in the films: ‘I would love to be a Bond villain, though. If it was the right character, I think that would be fascinating to explore.’
So while Cavill can be safely taken out of the running, that curveball only adds to the continued anticipation for the announcment.
The Sun has claimed the crowning of the next Bond is imminent, with filming reportedly set to begin in autumn, which a TV insider said ‘well and truly starts the firing gun on naming who the new 007 will be.’
They acknowledged the growing speculation, with reports last year claiming Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been chosen, sending the world into a frenzy.
Since then, the Bullet Train star has fallen out of bookies’ favour a little (now at 13/8), with Eternity’s Callum taking over as the firm favourite.
Paddy Power previously told Metro that his odds of 4/6 cement him as the favourite to be the next man donning the famous tux.
Latest James Bond odds
Callum Turner 4/6
Aaron Taylor-Johnson 13/8
Jacob Elordi 6/1
Leo Suter 8/1
Anthony Boyle 8/1
Harris Dickinson 9/1
‘Callum Turner looks to have dropped the biggest hint yet he’s going to be the next Bond, with his tight-lipped response surely indicating he could be getting his Licence to Kill paperwork filled out by HR right now,’ said a spokesperson.
‘Our traders at Power Tower certainly think he’s set to fill Daniel Craig’s shoes.’
The Sun’s source continued: ‘What’s thrilling about this is that it’s not just a cinematic phenomenon, it’s also one for TV fans too because the pairing with Prime Video raises the possibility that the new movie might drop in cinemas and on the streamer simultaneously, or at least around the same time.
‘That’s the first time that would have happened in the 64-year history of the Bond films.’
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