Next James Bond Odds: Luke Evans' price to succeed Daniel Craig as 007 dramatically shortens

"When we cast Bond, it's a 10-12 year commitment."

Amazon's acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the first quarter of 2022 already has us staring down the proverbial barrel of a new James Bond era.

And although the search is in its infancy, this latest edition could result in an entirely fresh take on the British Secret Service agent altogether.

If rumours are to be believed, then the usual limitations on age, gender and race could all be rightly kicked to the curb when selecting Daniel Craig's successor.

After updating you last month on the pool of names swimming around the James Bond vacancy, there has since been a serious mover in the betting.

Welsh actor and singer Luke Evans - known for his roles in Dracula Untold, Beauty & the Beast and Fast & Furious 6 - has emerged as a leading contender.

Firms remain split between Rege-Jean Page and Henry Cavill at the head of the market, but the 43-year-old may be worth keeping an eye on.

Evans saw his price plummet from 33/1 all the way down to 4/1 on the morning of September 27.

25% of bets placed on oddschecker have backed the Pontypool-born man to assume the debonair role of 007.

At the time of writing, the 43-year-old is still available with Betfred at his original price of 33/1.

Despite this substantial price fall, he is only the fourth/fifth favourite in the Bond market.

As mentioned above, there isn't much for bookmakers to separate Bridgerton breakout Rege-Jean Page from Superman, Geralt of Rivia and Sherlock Holmes himself, Henry Cavill.

The former would thrust an overnight success into one of Britain's most treasured roles, while the latter poses a more recognisable face with experience in a number of familiar IPs.

Popularity continues to grow for ever-presents Idris Elba and Tom Hardy, who each sit around the 6/1 mark.

Elba has shown a breadth of acting range, entering the cultural zeitgeist for his portrayal of Stringer Bell in HBO's cult success The Wire, cultivating a resume of impressive work in the two decades since. His outing as impassioned detective in BBC's hit drama series Luther certainly whet the Elba-Bond appetite for many.

Alternatively, Hardy would offer a more rugged version of the iconic Ian Fleming creation. The London Drama Centre graduate has forged a career on morally-ambiguous hardymen, and would bring a new level of physicality to Britain's top spy.

Elsewhere, the likes of Tom Holland, Cillian Murphy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Richard Madden, Michael Fassbender and Jamie Bell are all floating around in the conversation.

Who do you think will be the eighth figure to don the tuxedo, wield the Walther PPK and request the shaken-not-stirred martini? Join in the conversation below...

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