Barry Keoghan has firmly stated that he does not believe he fits the necessary criteria to portray the legendary James Bond. The 33-year-old Saltburn actor, whose name has frequently been mentioned in connection with the coveted 007 role, has now seemingly quashed all speculation by expressing a preference for playing a villain rather than stepping into the shoes of the iconic spy.
Keoghan's Clear Preference for Villainous Roles
In a recent interview with Radio Times, Keoghan elaborated on his thoughts regarding the James Bond character. He described the role as iconic but acknowledged the immense weight and pressure that accompanies it. While he admitted it was flattering to see his name associated with the part, he firmly believes he is not the right fit. Instead, Keoghan revealed that he would much rather enter the Bond universe as a villain, specifically mentioning that the role of the man who teases Bond aligns more closely with his personal style and acting preferences.
Production Timeline and Franchise Developments
Reports indicate that filming for the next James Bond movie is scheduled to commence by the end of this year, with insiders suggesting that an official announcement regarding the new 007 is imminent. This follows Daniel Craig's departure from the role after the 2021 film No Time to Die, which has left fans eagerly speculating about his successor. The franchise itself underwent a significant change last February when long-term producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold the immensely popular spy series to Amazon MGM for a reported £1 billion.
Production is now said to be gearing up to start filming in late autumn, continuing into the early winter months. A television insider commented that this development effectively marks the beginning of the process to name the new 007, with widespread speculation already surrounding who will inherit the Walther PPK and the Licence to Kill. The partnership with Prime Video introduces the possibility that the new film might be released simultaneously in cinemas and on the streaming platform, or at least within a very close timeframe, which would be a first in the 64-year history of Bond films.
Jacob Elordi Emerges as the New Frontrunner
Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi has surged to the top of the bookmakers' lists as the favourite to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. The 28-year-old star of Wuthering Heights is currently enjoying the successful release of Emerald Fennell's adaptation of the classic novel, in which he portrays the character Heathcliff. His rising popularity appears to have significantly impacted his odds of securing the Bond role.
Despite having odds of just 14/1 earlier this month, Elordi is now the clear favourite, with his odds tightening to 5/4. This shift has toppled the previous frontrunner, English actor Callum Turner, whose odds have drifted from 7/10 to 6/4. Other notable contenders include Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James, who round out the top four in the running. Bettors have shown strong support for Elordi over the past 12 hours, with 56 percent of bets backing him for the role.
Bookmakers' Analysis and Market Movements
Oddschecker has also slashed Elordi's odds from 6/1 to 5/4 overnight, placing him ahead of the previously heavily fancied Callum Turner. A spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, noted that there has been a substantial shake-up in the search for the next James Bond actor in the past 24 hours, with Jacob Elordi now the outright favourite. Phelps highlighted that Elordi was considered an outsider for the role last month but saw his price dramatically cut following the release of Wuthering Heights.
Oddschecker spokesman Chris Rogers added that Callum Turner had led the next James Bond betting market for several weeks, but a new name has now surged to the top. Rogers pointed out that punters have strongly backed Elordi recently, with 56 percent of bets favouring the Frankenstein star, while Callum Turner remains a strong contender, receiving 20 percent of the betting activity.
Success of Wuthering Heights Boosts Elordi's Profile
Wuthering Heights enjoyed an extremely successful opening weekend, grossing US$76.8 million (£56 million) at the global box office. The romantic drama, directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the star-crossed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff, is a contemporary take on Emily Brontë's classic novel. New statistics reveal that the controversial film made US$34.8 million in the North American box office during its first three days, marking it as the year's biggest opening so far.
This commercial success has undoubtedly contributed to Elordi's rising stock in the entertainment industry, further solidifying his position as a leading candidate for the James Bond role. As the speculation continues, all eyes remain on the official announcement that will unveil the next actor to take on the mantle of 007.
