The race to become the next James Bond has taken a dramatic turn, with Australian actor Jacob Elordi emerging as a serious contender following his recent Academy Award nomination. The 28-year-old star has shot up the bookmakers' odds, now sitting as the second-favourite to step into the iconic tuxedo after Daniel Craig's departure from the role.
Oscar Recognition Boosts Bond Prospects
Elordi's transformative performance as The Creature in Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein earned him his first Oscar nomination, an achievement that has significantly elevated his profile within the industry. This recognition appears to have directly influenced his standing in the James Bond casting conversation, with betting markets responding swiftly to the news.
Current Bond Odds Landscape
According to the latest odds from leading bookmakers, Callum Turner remains the frontrunner at 5/6, but Elordi has closed the gap considerably with odds of 7/2. Other notable contenders include Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 4/1, while Theo James, Leo Suter, and Anthony Boyle all stand at 8/1. James Nelson-Joyce completes the list of serious contenders at 10/1.
Paddy Power commented on Elordi's suitability for the role, stating: 'Tall, handsome and mysterious. All things I've never been described as... but all things that fit the bill for a James Bond actor. Jacob Elordi ticks plenty of the boxes, hence why he's our second favourite to get the job.'
Australian Connection to 007 Legacy
If selected, Elordi would become only the second Australian actor to portray James Bond, following George Lazenby's single appearance in On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969. Lazenby remains unique in Bond history as both the only actor to play the role just once and the only 007 to get married during the course of a film.
The bookmaker added: 'After George Lazenby's lone outing in On Her Majesty's Secret Service way back in 1969, it's probably well overdue for another Australian to play Bond. If he gets the bod, hopefully he'll last more than one movie, too!'
Production Developments Behind the Scenes
Amazon Prime Video has begun assembling its creative team for the next Bond installment, with multiple Oscar-nominated director Denis Villeneuve confirmed to helm the tech giant's first film in the beloved franchise. While the 007 role remains officially uncast, industry speculation continues to intensify about which of Hollywood's rising stars will ultimately secure the coveted part.
Unsubstantiated rumours suggest that a meeting may have occurred between Elordi and Villeneuve, though neither party has confirmed any collaboration. What remains clear is that Elordi's Oscar nomination has opened a new chapter in his career and placed him firmly in contention for one of cinema's most prestigious roles.
Elordi's Unconventional Career Path
Unlike many actors vying for the Bond role, Elordi has built his reputation through unconventional choices rather than traditional leading man parts. His filmography includes memorable roles in Saltburn, Euphoria, and Wuthering Heights, demonstrating a preference for complex, challenging characters over straightforward heroic roles.
This distinctive approach could potentially make his interpretation of James Bond particularly intriguing, offering a fresh perspective on the character who anchors this multi-million dollar franchise. As the production team continues their search for the perfect candidate, Elordi's combination of critical acclaim, physical presence, and acting versatility makes him a compelling option for the role's next evolution.
