June 13th 2024.
Actor Leo Woodall has gained a lot of attention and buzz lately, as he is now being considered as a top contender for the iconic role of James Bond. The handsome 27-year-old made a name for himself on Netflix, where he won over fans with his portrayal of troubled yet charismatic Dexter in the adaptation of David Nicholls' One Day. His success on the streaming platform, along with his captivating performance in the second season of the hit US show The White Lotus, has caught the eye of industry insiders.
The role of James Bond has been up for grabs ever since Daniel Craig's final film as the suave spy in 2021's Die Another Day. And since then, there have been many British actors rumored to be in the running for the role, including fan-favorite Tom Hardy, The Witcher star Henry Cavill, Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy, and Poldark's Aidan Turner. In recent months, the hot favorite has been Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who sent the rumor mill into overdrive when it was reported in December 2022 that he had already shot the classic 007 gun barrel sequence.
However, Woodall has now emerged as a strong contender, surpassing past favorites in the odds. According to betideas.com, the actor, who is currently filming Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy with Renée Zellweger, has entered the market at 7/1, placing him sixth in the list of contenders. This puts him ahead of Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page, who has been given odds of 8/1.
The top spot still belongs to Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 4/6, with Henry Cavill and James Norton as the other serious contenders. Theo James, who successfully led Guy Ritchie's The Gentleman series on Netflix, also has good odds at 6/1. Rising star Damson Idris, known for his role in US crime drama Snowfall, is at 11/2 and has been gaining attention for his upcoming film with Brad Pitt and Sir Lewis Hamilton.
The spokesperson for betideas.com, Lee Astley, commented on the surprising rise of Woodall in the betting market. He stated, "The search for our next James Bond seemed to be a clear-cut decision after reports that Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been offered the role a few months back. But the prolonged silence has led to speculation that there may be a twist in the tale. And that twist could be Leo Woodall, who has gained popularity in the betting after his roles in The White Lotus and One Day. Woodall's odds at 7/1 make him an instant favorite for the role."
Woodall's profile is expected to skyrocket in the next few years, especially with his appearance in the highly anticipated fourth Bridget Jones film. He is rumored to play the widow's toyboy love interest, Roxster, in the movie set to release in 2025.
As for frontrunner Aaron Taylor-Johnson, he has hinted that he may be tired of the constant speculation surrounding the Bond role. At the premiere of his film The Fall Guy, he was asked about the role directly and responded with a sigh and a chuckle before politely ending the conversation and moving along the press line. The 27-year-old Brit certainly fits the profile of a younger version of the iconic agent that producers are looking for.
However, recent reports suggest that the role may not have been offered to him, as was previously rumored. Regardless, both Pierce Brosnan, a former Bond himself, and Taylor-Johnson's wife, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, have given their seal of approval for his potential casting. It remains to be seen if Woodall will receive the same support.
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