Idris Elba’s chances of replacing Daniel Craig to become the next James Bond have been boosted by the Bookies who are now backing him after franchise bosses confirmed they were considering the Luther star for the iconic role.
The 49-year-old actor – and occasional DJ – has made no secret of the fact that he would love to play the secret agent on the big screen.
The role is wide open after 53-year-old Daniel stepped down from the role which he held from 2006 until 2021 and now has zero chance of returning to reprise the character.
And after encouraging words came from Bond boss Barbara Broccoli, 61, about Idris’s chances, betting agents are now slashing his odds to take on the role.
Coral's John Hill said: "It is no surprise that Bond producers are discussing Idris Elba as a possible candidate to replace Daniel Craig as the next 007.
“We have seen strong support for the Luther actor in our betting over the last 24 hours, and we have reacted by slashing his odds in half.”
Idris’s odds now stand at 6-1 – down from 12-1 – to take on the role as the super spy, making him a strong contender amid a sea of competition.
Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page still lets the pack with impressive odds of 5-2 despite being a relative newcomer to the world of acting.
Venom star Tom Hardy has odds of 7-2, while James Norton is high on the list with odds of 5-1.
Bodyguard actor Richard Madden could yet play the iconic role – originally made most famous by fellow Scot Sean Connery – with impressive odds of 7-1.
While star of recent BBC hit The Tourist, Jamie Dornan, has odds of 8-1.
Billy Elliot legend Jamie Bell holds odds at 10-1, Marvel’s Loki actor Tom Hiddleston, Outlander hunk Sam Heughan, and former Jason Bourne star Riz Ahmed all have odds at 12-1, while Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding is looking at 14-1 odds.
Last week, Bond producer Barbara sparked a flurry of excitement when she confirmed that Idris was in the mix of names being considered for the iconic role.
She told Deadline: "Well, we know Idris, we're friends with him, and he's a magnificent actor."
She added: "And, you know, it's been part of the conversation but it's always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat."
The actor himself has said he would jump at the chance to take on the role, telling ITV in 2021: “Who wouldn’t?”
