While we await further details regarding the direction of James Bond 26, a “red-hot favorite” for the coveted role of 007 is taking the betting world by storm. And, based on the history of Bond casting, it could mean everything, as this actor suddenly began climbing the ladder over the last few weeks and has now knocked the likes of long-time 007 favorites Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill from the top spot, with such activity usually only occurring after “insiders” start spreading intel.
The actor who finds himself now at the tippy top of the James Bond favorites list is Fantastic Beasts and Eternity star Callum Turner, with Coral’s John Hill (via Evening Standard) revealing that support for the actor has skyrocketed over the last few days.
“We’ve been knocked over with support for Callum Turner in our next James Bond betting over the last 24 hours. The British actor is now the red-hot favourite for the role.”
While Turner has been climbing the 007 charts for a little while now, the sheer level of support is certainly of note, with bookies often having the inside track when it comes to unearthing who will be chosen to be the next 007.
Callum Turner Would Be the Fresh Face the 007 Franchise Is Looking For
Callum Turner, who is also best recognized for the likes of The Boys in the Boat, the WWII series Masters of the Air, and who will lead Apple TV’s upcoming sci-fi series Neuromancer, possesses many of the key things that Amazon is reportedly looking for in the new James Bond. The English actor would certainly offer the “fresh face” that previous reports have claimed the studio wants, and while at 35 he may be a little older than recent rumors suggest, he has the looks, charm, and talent to bring 007 back to the silver screen. Or streaming, if all our worst nightmares do come true.
Another big tick for Turner and his potential as the actor chosen to play James Bond is his real-life engagement to pop sensation and Grammy Award winner Dua Lipa, who could provide the perfect theme to go alongside Turner’s 007 in James Bond 26.
Details surrounding James Bond 26 remain as secretive as you’d expect, but we do now know that Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve will helm the project from a script written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Whoever is chosen to play James Bond, we can rest assured that they will have Villeneuve’s approval, with the director calling the project “sacred territory” and “a huge honor.”
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No, with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
