James Bond: Bodyguard star Richard Madden odds SLASHED for next Bond – what are they?

You may know him as the ill-fated Robb Stark, whose wedding in the third season of Game of Thrones was the cause of consternation for many fans.

Or you might recognise him more recently for his popular performance as Sergeant David Budd in the BBC’s hit thriller Bodyguard.

And, perhaps more excitingly, you may yet know him as Bond. James Bond.

What are Richard Madden’s odds to be the next Bond?

The most recent odds for Madden taking over the role of James Bond are 9/1 according to Sky bets, and 10/1 according to Coral.

A spokesman for Coral said: “Richard Madden has proved during the BBC One drama Bodyguard that he has what it takes to be a future James Bond actor.

“And following a flurry of bets over the last few days, his odds have been slashed on becoming the next 007.”

Bodyguard writer Jed Mercurio seems to agree, and told the Radio Times: “Madden is in the spotlight for bigger things.”

Whether that next ‘bigger thing’ is Bond remains to be seen, as the spy franchise has hit a few snags.

Director Danny Boyle dropped out of the production due to creative differences.

With the hunt for a new director still on and Daniel Craig signed up for another movie in the interim, fans expect Bond 25 to be postponed.

In all likelihood, the next Bond will also be pushed back – leaving fans waiting for answers.

Rumours Idris Elba was set to take on Bond after Bond 25, Daniel Craig’s final outing as the spy, have been dispelled.

But Elba is still in the running according to the bookies.

Favourites to take over the role include James Norton (11-2), Idris Elba (4-1) and Tom Hardy (2-1).

One of the favourites for new director Yann is Demange, with odds as good as 3-1 with some bookmakers.

Demange is known for his work on ’71 and White Boy Rick director had been rumoured to be in the running before Boyle originally signed on.

However, Demange told The Hollywood Reporter that any hint of him taking over from Boyle is simply gossip.

Other actors tipped to play Bond after Craig include Tom Hiddleston, Sam Heughan, and, slightly depressingly: “any female”.

Henry Cavill, recently in the news for his departure from the Superman franchise, is also on the list and may become the next name to have his odds slashed due to his sudden availability.

All of this is speculation, Bond fans will have plenty of waiting to do before anything is confirmed.

Bond 25 filming was scheduled to begin in December, but Craig’s recent signing on to Rian Johnson’s new movie mystery movie has thrown that date into uncertainty.