The latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, hit cinemas in 2021 and marked the final time Daniel Craig took on the iconic role of 007.
Since then, the race has been on for another Hollywood actor to take over as the suave spy.
While countless names have come and gone in the Bond odds, Aidan Turner has been a constant in the top ten for the past two years.
Unfortunately, today, Monday, June 19, 2023, may mark the end of the road for Turner’s hopes to become the next 007.
Today is the star’s 40th birthday. And, considering Bond bosses behind the scenes are reportedly looking for a younger star to play the hero for decades to come, Turner may have just aged out of the role.
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At the moment, Ladbrokes have given Turner meagre 16/1 odds on becoming the next James Bond.
The bookies’ Alex Apati said: “Aidan Turner was – not too long ago – considered a genuine frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as 007. but with Bond chiefs seemingly making it clear exactly what they’re looking for, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the birthday boy continue to drift over the coming weeks and months.”
Even more damning for the Poldark star is that he has some powerful competition in the Bond odds, as well, including Tom Hardy.
Hardy has become one of the fan-favourite options to take over as 007, and his odds reflect that. Ladbrokes currently have him in joint fourth place with 5/1.
However, he is neck-and-neck with Paapa Essiedu, who recently hit Netflix again in the latest series of Black Mirror.
The top three begins with Happy Valley‘s James Norton, who has a powerful 4/1, and could be the best newcomer to the Bond odds list.
Ahead of him is former Superman star Henry Cavill who has an incredible 3/1 on becoming the new and improved James Bond.
But at the top of the list is Aaron Taylor-Johnson who has a staggering 7/4 on donning the tuxedo and taking his martinis shaken, not stirred.
The former Marvel actor became a firm favourite after rumours hit that he has already been involved in screen tests with Bond bosses Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson.
And at 33-years-old, he might be in the sweet spot in terms of age to embody the hero for the next ten to 15 years.
