New contender to play James Bond is 31-year-old British rising star

An unexpected name has entered the race to become the next James Bond.
Since Daniel Craig wrapped up as 007 in 2021 with No Time to Die, there has been wild speculation for three years, with many fans convinced they know which actor is going to take up the spy's licence to kill.
This speculation has only intensified following a historic deal in which creative control of the franchise was handed to Amazon after Amazon Studios purchased MGM+ for $8.45billion (£6.7billion).
Aaron Pierre, the 31-year-old British actor whose been gaining a huge following in recent months, is now emerging as a frontrunner for the iconic role, with industry insiders and bookmakers taking serious notice.
Best known for his performances in The Underground Railroad, Rebel Ridge, and Disney's upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King, the actor's buzz is leading some to wonder if he's 007 material.
The revelation comes from a leak by entertainment insider Daniel Ritchman, according to GBNews, sparking a wave of interest from Bond fans.
For years, the Bond rumour mill has revolved around familiar names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Jack Lowden. But a sharp shift in betting odds suggests the tide is turning.
Pierre's odds have narrowed significantly, positioning him alongside the top-tier contenders.
Currently, Theo James leads the pack with odds of 5/2 (a 28.6% implied chance), followed by Cavill at 3/1 and Lowden at 4/1.
Taylor-Johnson, once a hot favourite, has slipped back to 5/1, even thoguh some think he may have already accepted the role, as he's insisted he 'can't talk about' his next film project.
The 35-year-old actor has long been heavily rumoured to be the next James Bond, from as far back as 2022 – although reports of his official casting were promptly rubbished in March 2024.
He gave a very coy response when asked about what he'll be doing after working on 28 Years Later and its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, back-to-back. More Trending
Questioned by Deadline at the horror movie's premiere on Wednesday night he said: 'I can't talk about it.'
Meanwhile, more far-fetched candidates such as Stephen Graham and Harry Styles remain on the books at longshot odds of 66/1.
The buzz suggests that producers may be looking toward a younger actor with franchise longevity. At 31, Pierre strikes that balance.
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MORE: Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains tight-lipped about Bond but there are other 007 candidates
MORE: What will the new head of MI6 actually do?
MORE: A-list heartthrob new favourite to play next Bond villain

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