In a month’s time, Craig starts shooting James Bond 25, his fifth and final outing as 007. While the release isn’t for another year, this doesn’t stop fans speculating over who his replacement will be. Now Coral have slashed odds for Game of Thrones and Bodyguard star Madden. Previously, he was 5-1 equal with Idris Elba, but has now overtaken James Norton and is the second favourite on 3-1.
As it stands Tom Hiddleston is favourite on 2-1, but Madden is a firm second most likely at 3-1.
A spokesman for the bookies said: “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.
“Having been an 8-1 chance just a couple of weeks ago we have been forced to cut the odds and Madden is now just 3-1 to take up the mantle.”
They added: “He’d certainly make a fantastic Bond and we can see it happening already.”
Last week Madden received a glowing endorsement to be the next Bond.
His Bodyguard co-star Keeley Hawes told Radio Times: “I said to Richard while we were shooting, ‘This is like James Bond!’
“I would love to see Richard playing James Bond; I would love that. I think he would be phenomenal.”