James Bond has been part of the pop culture zeitgeist since 1953 upon his invention by novelist Ian Flemming. Bond was first brought to the silver screen in 1962, played by the inimitable Scottish actor Sean Connery. Fifty years have passed and new rumours have it a Scott will once again pick up the mantle of 007.
Will the next Bond be played by a Scottish actor?
According to Mail on Sunday, Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has hinted as much.
A source told the Mail: “It has been 36 years since there was a Scottish Bond in Sean Connery and producers are looking for someone to emulate that success.”
Though Richard Madden had been high on bookmakers’ lists to take over the role, a new name has been put forward,
The same source named Outlander star Sam Heughan, saying: “Sam is an experienced actor, he’s in great shape and he has a cheeky side which is appealing as the bosses want Bond to have more to him.”
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Despite the name dropping, Sam’s odds have not gone up in estimation.
But another Scot is at the forefront of those predicted to take over the role from Daniel Craig.
Richard Madden, the Scottish Bodyguard star, is third on the list.
Sam Heughan shortest odds at present, according to Oddschecker, are 50/1 with Ladbrokes.
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That puts him behind multiple other contenders, such as Jack Huston (33/1), Michael Fassbender (33/1), Henry Cavill (16/1), and Idris Elba (6/1).
The frontrunners are still Tom Hiddleston (3/1), Cillian Murphy (4/1), Richard Madden (4/1) and James Norton (5/1).
Despite the rumour mill’s over-excitement, the likelihood of this source being accurate is slim.
Broccoli has said in the past that she would not start the casting process until after Bond 25 has been released.
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As for Bond 25, few details have been confirmed to the public.
Rumoured to have the working title of Eclipse, Bond 25 is said to have already begun principal photography in Norway.
This is despite the fact that stars such as Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw have recently said they hadn’t received the script.
Full casting, as well as the official title, is yet to be announced, but will likely arrive in the very near future. Cary Joji Fukunaga is directing.
Bond 25 is out in cinemas on April 8, 2020.