James Bond fans are as keen as ever to speculate about who could be the next 007 after No Time To Die, with the possibility of seeing a female get the part still a hotly-debated topic. As her reign in The Crown season three continues to dominate on Netflix, Olivia Colman has seen a surge in interest from punters.
According to Ladbrokes, her odds of getting the 007 job have been cut from 100-1 to 66-1.
This puts her equal with Emily Blunt as the female frontrunners.
By comparison, Homeland actor Rupert Friend is also currently priced at 66-1.
While there has been movement for Colman, the chances of a female Bond taking over from Daniel Craig are still slim, with bookies’ emphasis firmly on the men.
READ MORE: JAMES BOND NO TIME TO DIE STAR DANIEL ON WHAT MAKES HIM CRY
Coral have identified a clear favourite for the role in the form of Bodyguard star Richard Madden, who leads the pack and is odds-on at 1-2 following a surge of bets in recent days.
Madden currently tops the list above the likes of Tim Hiddleston (4-1), Idris Elba and James Norton (both 6-1).
A spokesperson for Coral said: “Richard Madden ticks all the right boxes when it comes to James Bond so it is easy to see why punter are rushing in to back him to be the next 007.
“With a second season of Bodyguard also likely to showcase his skills again in the near future, he is now odds-on to replace Daniel Craig.”
Soon, Bond is looped in to help save a kidnapped scientist and faces a mysterious villain armed with a dangerous new technology.
While he’s due to depart the role after No Time To Die, there is speculation Craig could return to the franchise in a directorial capacity.
In a new interview with Express.de he addressed the rumours, exclaiming: “For God’s sake, no!
“I want to come home, eat something and then go to bed,” he insisted, shutting down reports.
Craig’s comments come after a Daily Mail source claimed Bond producer Barbara Broccoli wants the actor to take up the mantle as director after stepping down from the role.james b
“He’s determined to go out in style,” the insider told the publication. “He hired Phoebe [Waller-Bridge] and he’s been closely involved in every aspect of this film, from the script to the development of the characters.
“Barbara has been vocal in her support of him and would love him to return to direct the next one.
“Daniel is so in tune with the character and has been saying Bond has to grow and change to fit the times.”
James Bond: No Time To Die will be released in UK cinemas April 3.