The race to become the next James Bond has taken a surprising turn, with a star from one of Netflix's biggest 2025 dramas suddenly rocketing up the bookmakers' lists. Anthony Boyle, the 31-year-old Irish actor, has seen his odds slashed, making him a serious contender to take on the iconic role of 007.
From Netflix to MI6: Boyle's Dramatic Odds Shift
This week, just before Christmas, bookmaker Coral reported a significant shift in betting patterns. Anthony Boyle's odds were cut from 12-1 down to 4-1, catapulting him into third place among the frontrunners. Boyle is best known for playing Arthur Guinness in the Netflix period drama House of Guinness, which also starred Jack Gleeson and Louis Partridge.
Coral's spokesperson, John Hill, revealed the dramatic change, stating: 'We have seen significant support for Anthony Boyle in our next James Bond betting over the last 24 hours.' He added that as 2025 draws to a close, many punters are convinced the actor 'could be leading the race to replace Daniel Craig.'
The Current Favourites in the 007 Stakes
Despite Boyle's surge, two British actors remain ahead of him in Coral's estimation. The current favourite is Callum Turner (odds of 10/11), known for Fantastic Beasts and The Capture. In second place is Aaron Taylor-Johnson (3-1), a long-tipped candidate following his role in 28 Years Later.
The rest of the pack includes some familiar names:
- Henry Cavill – 6-1
- Theo James – 6-1
- James Nelson-Joyce – 8-1
Elba's Tease and Turner's Reignited Rumours
The speculation around Boyle comes in the same week that Idris Elba playfully hinted at the role. The 53-year-old actor, a fan favourite for over a decade, posted a TikTok video showing himself alongside waxworks of former Bonds, though he suggested his wife made him do it.
Meanwhile, frontrunner Callum Turner's rumours were reignited by his recent role opposite Elizabeth Olsen in a fantasy rom-com. His status as the 'red-hot favourite' was cemented in November, nine months after Amazon assumed full control of the Bond franchise.
As the new year approaches, the question of who will next utter the famous line, 'Bond, James Bond,' remains thrillingly open, with Anthony Boyle's sudden rise adding a fresh and unexpected twist to the saga.
