Henry Cavill leapfrogs Tom Hardy to become the new betting favorite to be cast as the next James Bond following Daniel Craig's departure. Released in October 2021, No Time to Die served as Craig's swan song to his career-defining role as the suave MI6 super-spy. Though it was known for years it would be Craig's final film in the spy franchise, No Time to Die shocked audiences by killing off James Bond in an unprecedented move. However, the long-running franchise is expected to recast the role and reboot the continuity as it has many times in the past.
In the months since No Time to Die's release, there haven't been many substantial updates on the casting process. Earlier this year, James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli said they are taking their time with the monumental decision and considering their options carefully. Broccoli later made comments revealing they are planning to "reinvent" the spy franchise with the next installment, possibly by casting a person of color, though the Bond producer has ruled out casting a woman in the historically male role a number of times. While it's unclear if the official search for the next James Bond has even begun, a new betting favorite has emerged.
According to the betting website Ladbrokes, Henry Cavill has passed Tom Hardy as the new favorite to play the next James Bond. Cavill ranks as number one ahead of Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page in second and Hardy now in third, who have both held the top stop at different times. Cavill leads the pack with 3/1 odds while Page and Hardy are close behind with 7/2 and 6/1 odds respectively.
Cavill was one of the finalists when they recast James Bond for 2006's Casino Royale, with the role eventually going to Craig. Since No Time to Die, he has frequently been fan-cast to succeed Craig. However, Cavill emerging as the betting favorite to play James Bond was seemingly fueled by a video the actor recently posted on his social media. In an advertisement for No 1 Botanicals herbal drinks, Cavill dons a well-tailored suit and walks past a silver Aston Martin DB5, both not-so-subtle references to 007.
While the video could just be a cheeky recognition of the Bond casting rumors from Cavill, many appear to be taking it very seriously considering the recent flurry of bets placed on Cavill, catapulting him to the top spot. Other than his popularity, which could actually work against him, another factor that decreases Cavill's chances of playing Bond is he is set to star in another spy movie with franchise potential, Argylle, and it would be awkward – if not impossible – for him to juggle both roles at once. Nevertheless, Cavill is the current betting favorite to play that next James Bond, but what comes of the recent shift remains to be seen.
Source: Ladbrokes