Odds slashed for ‘Game of Thrones’ star to replace Daniel Craig as next 007
Daniel Craig hasn’t even started filming his final James Bond movie yet.
But a number of British period drama stars are already battling to be his replacement.
The currently untitled next 007 adventure is set to begin filming in England next month.
Bond 25 was due to start production last autumn, but the shoot was delayed after director Danny Boyle dropped out and the script had to be totally rewritten.
The movie will now released in cinemas on 14th February 2020.
It’s believed that Bond 25 will be Daniel Craig’s swansong in the role and the latest big name in the race to play the world’s most famous secret agent is Scottish actor Richard Madden.
Madden’s breakout part was playing Robb Stark in the first three seasons of HBO’s fantasy drama Game of Thrones.
However, it was his role in the BBC’s massive hit Bodyguard last year which has seen the star have the odds of him becoming Bond slashed recently.
He was previously 5-1 equal with Luther star Idris Elba, but has now shot past Grantchester actor James Norton to become second favourite with odds of 3-1.
The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston remains the favourite with odds of 2-1.
A bookies spokesperson commented: “Plenty of people have been speculating that Bodyguard star Richard Madden could be in line to replace Daniel Craig after the current 007’s final Bond film and we’ve seen plenty of punters get their money it happening.”
They added: “He’d certainly make a fantastic Bond and we can see it happening already.”
As well as shooting at Pinewood Studios in England, Bond 25 will apparently be filming in Norway, Greece and southern Italy.
New Zealand remains one of the few countries that 007 has never travelled to, but perhaps they’re saving NZ for Bond 26!
With the next James Bond actor not expected to debut on screen until at least 2023, that gives Richard Madden plenty of time to practise 007’s poker face.
Madden will next be on screens in cinemas this summer, portraying John Reid in the upcoming Elton John musical Rocketman.
The complete James Bond collection DVD box set is available on Amazon.