Actor Callum Turner, who has long been touted as the likeliest candidate to take over in the role of James Bond, faces stiff competition for the part, according to new data.
The performer’s chances of bagging the role have now been dealt somewhat of a blow after it emerged this week that 23-year-old actor Louis Patridge has surged in popularity to become one of the frontrunners.
Mr Patridge, best known for his role in Netflix’s House of Guinness, is currently priced narrowly behind Mr Turner in bookmakers’ markets, despite previously being priced as high as 50/1.
With Mr Turner leading the pack of actors tipped to don 007’s tuxedo at 11/8, Mr Patridge is now his closest competition at 3/1.
Louis Partridge, 23, is now one of the favourites for the Bond role
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PA
Oddschecker spokesman Chris Rogers explained all about the dramatic shift in the betting markets, saying: “Callum Turner looks set for stiff competition as the race to become the next James Bond heats up.
“House of Guinness star Louis Partridge has seen his odds slashed from 50/1 to 3/1 as support grows for the 23-year-old.
“The young Englishman was the second most backed actor over the last seven days, receiving 13 percent of the betting; only Turner had more.”
The backing of Mr Partridge comes days after it was reported that new director Denis Villeneuve has been personally telephoning actors to inform them they have progressed in the audition process.
Callum Turner remains the outright frontrunner to be the next James Bond
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GETTYAccording to reports from earlier this month, the acclaimed filmmaker and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have begun reaching out to talent who will participate in screen tests scheduled for August.
Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on the developments.
The precise number of candidates advancing remains unclear, with industry sources offering varying estimates ranging from five to seven performers up to figures in the teens.
Studio executives are working towards announcing their new Bond before 2026 concludes, which would allow filming to commence sometime in 2027.
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While not exactly a household name, Mr Patridge’s rumoured involvement comes after it was reported that casting director Nina Gold has spent recent weeks conducting meetings specifically focused on emerging talent.
Sources indicate that these sessions were designed to determine whether any lesser-known performers should be added to the existing shortlist of more prominent actors already under consideration.
Mr Patridge isn’t the only unexpected contender to have emerged among bookmakers’ markets either.
Scott Rose-Marsh, a 38-year-old performer from Southampton, has caused a stir following reports he was among those who auditioned last month.
Louis Partridge was once priced as high as 50/1
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PA
William Hill now places him at 8/1 odds, positioning him alongside far more recognisable faces in the race for the iconic role.
His credits include appearances in Amazon’s The Outlaws and the BBC drama Chloe – a considerably more modest portfolio compared to his rivals.
The Southampton actor’s name surfaced in connection with the franchise once before, following a hoax that circulated online in 2025.
At that time, he publicly distanced himself from the speculation surrounding the 007 role.
While Mr Partridge and Mr Rose-Marsh may promise an unexpected era for the franchise, the pair do still face formidable competition from established Hollywood talent.
Mr Turner currently leads the pack, while the likes of Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are all positioned closely behind.
Mr Turner received a notable endorsement earlier this month from George Clooney, who directed the 36-year-old in The Boys in the Boat.
“I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond,” Mr Clooney told The Hollywood Reporter, describing the Masters of the Air star as “tall and handsome and charming and British” – “the perfect guy to do it.”