Betting odds shift as Callum Turner emerges as top contender for James Bond
Turner's odds shortened to 8/13 after reports of auditions, while Jack Lowden remains a close second in the race to replace Daniel Craig.
By Simon Bennett ·
The search for the actor who will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond has narrowed to a specific group of candidates, with recent betting market movements suggesting a new frontrunner.
Callum Turner is now the favorite, with his odds shortening from 3/1 to 8/13. This shift follows rumors that four actors were recently called in for auditions: Turner, Jack Lowden, Josh O'Connor, and one unidentified candidate. Lowden had previously held the title of strong favorite, a status boosted by tips from writer Richard Osman.
Turner, who married singer Dua Lipa in May 2026, began his career as a model before acting in John Boorman's 2014 film Queen and Country. He appeared in two films last year: Mark Jenkin's Rose of Nevada and David Freyne's Eternity. Pundits point to his recent resignation as director of his production company as a sign that he may be prioritizing acting roles. Some critics note his physical resemblance to Hoagy Carmichael, the singer Ian Fleming used to describe the original Bond in the first novel.
Barbara Broccoli, who has managed the Bond franchise, stated two years ago that the next actor would likely be a man in his 30s, noting that whiteness was not a requirement. Although the film rights moved to Amazon MGM Studios in February 2025, the character's definition is expected to remain consistent with previous iterations.
Conflicting reports continue to surface. The Sun newspaper claimed on Thursday that a source overheard Josh O'Connor, best known for playing Prince Charles in The Crown, in a Soho pub asserting he had secured the role. This claim contradicts the current betting trends favoring Turner.
Amy Pascal, a producer on the upcoming film, indicated that official news would be released by the end of the year. The movie will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and is expected to follow the reboot model established by Casino Royale in 2006, featuring a complete recast and an independent timeline. Rumors suggest some filming locations may be in Ireland.
The 26th Bond film will mark the next chapter for the character, who died at the end of No Time to Die in 2021. The franchise is preparing for a fresh start with a new lead actor and a new production studio behind the camera.
