Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page's odds for taking over the role of James Bond have gone up after the success of the Netflix series. Bridgerton debuted on Netflix over the Christmas holiday and quickly became a huge hit for the streamer. Netflix says it is the streamer's fifth biggest original series season launch of all time. In the series, Page plays Simon Hastings, a Duke, and Daphne Bridgerton's love interest. The British actor has also had roles in Mortal Engines and 2016's Roots remake.
With Daniel Craig's final outing as Bond imminent, much of the focus has not been on the film, but on who will be taking over the role next. No Time to Die, slated to release in April, will see Craig complete his five film tenure, a streak that has revitalized the franchise and produced some of the most successful Bond films ever. With all eyes on just who will replace him, various names have been floated, including Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, and Henry Cavill.
Now, though, one betting firm in England has Page's odds for taking over the role skyrocketing. According to Variety, betting firm Ladbrokers had Page's odds at 40/1 before Bridgerton's premiere. Now they sit comfortably at 5/1, putting him in fourth place behind Hardy, James Norton, and Elba. The process has been closely watched in the UK as No Time to Die's release nears after being delayed multiple times.
Of course, Page's odds as Bond were likely only bolstered by the fact that fans rallied for him to take over the role. More than ever before, fans are focused on just who will succeed Craig in the role. Many are pushing for the role to be diversified. After white men have played the character for decades, many would like to see a woman or an actor of color take over the role. With reports floating the idea that No Time to Die star Lashana Lynch could be taking over the role, the next Bond film could usher in a new era for the franchise.
While Craig's tenure breathed new life into the franchise, someone like Hardy or Cavill wouldn't necessarily bring anything new to the role. Page or Lynch, on the other hand, could add new dimensions to the character, something the franchise could use after its decades-long run. Unfortunately, producers have insisted that Bond could not be a woman. While that's disappointing to hear, it still leaves the door open for someone like Page to take over the role. Bridgerton proved that the actor could embody the posh Britishness 007 is known for and his taking over of the role is an exciting prospect. A younger, less experienced James Bond is the perfect way to tell new stories in the successful format the long-running series is known for.
Source: Variety