Callum Turner surges ahead in race to become next Bond

British actor Callum Turner has surged to become the top betting favorite to succeed Daniel Craig as the next James Bond, with bookmakers reporting a flood of wagers after he was spotted vacationing at author Ian Fleming's former Jamaican estate.telegraph+2

The 35-year-old actor, known for roles in the Fantastic Beasts films and Apple TV+'s Masters of the Air, is now ahead of longtime contenders including Henry Cavill and Theo James with odds as short as 6-4.superherohype+2

Director Denis Villeneuve is set to helm the next Bond film, written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, in what will be the first installment since Amazon gained full control of the franchise through a joint venture with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.superherohype

British actor Callum Turner has surged to the front of the race to become the next James Bond, according to multiple UK bookmakers and a report from The Telegraph published Thursday. The 35-year-old star of A24's upcoming film "Eternity" leapfrogged long-time favorite Aaron Taylor-Johnson after a flurry of betting activity over the past 24 hours.telegraph+3

"We've been knocked over with support for Callum Turner in our next James Bond betting over the last 24 hours," John Hill, a spokesman for bookmaker Coral, told Metro. The shift has propelled Turner ahead of other contenders including Henry Cavill, Theo James, Harris Dickinson, and Jack Lowden, according to William Hill and other betting firms.superherohype+3

Speculation Fueled by GoldenEye Visit

The speculation around Turner intensified after he was spotted vacationing this summer at the GoldenEye resort in Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica—the former estate of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, where many of the Bond novels were written. Several Bond films, including "Dr. No," were also shot nearby. Turner was visiting the luxury resort with his fiancée, pop star Dua Lipa.aol+3

Turner's credits include playing Theseus Scamander in two "Fantastic Beasts" films, starring opposite Austin Butler in Apple TV+'s World War II series "Masters of the Air," and leading George Clooney's "The Boys in the Boat". He also earned a BAFTA nomination for his performance in BBC's "The Capture".screenrant+2

Long Road to Bond 26

While betting odds have created buzz, official casting for Bond 26 remains far off. Denis Villeneuve, who just wrapped filming on "Dune: Part Three" in November, is directing the next Bond film with a script by "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight. According to Deadline, Villeneuve is seeking an unknown British actor in his late twenties to early thirties to portray Bond.variety+3

Amazon Amazon.com, Inc. MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson earlier this year, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman now serving as producers. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with a likely November 2028 release—marking one of the longest gaps between Bond films in franchise history.deadline+3

Sources (58)