James Bond: Bodyguard Richard Madden 'will be offered Daniel Craig role in next few days'

Is the British star about to get his Licence to Thrill?

Madden leapfrogged over the established favourites like Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston and Aidan Turner following his breakout role in the smash it BBC drama last month.

He has become one of the bookies’ top tips and it looks like Broccoli herself was paying attention.

The new reports says: “It is understood that Barbara Broccoli, the executive producer at Eon Productions who has the final say on all Bond characters, is likely to approach Madden in the next few days.”

A source said: “It’s seriously looking like he [Madden] is going to get the job. Not only is he on top of Barbara’s list, but she is preparing to offer the role.”

After so many months, years even, of speculation, this is suddenly moving very fast.

Recent shows like Poldark and McMafia had catapulted actors like Turner and James Norton on the lists of stars who could replace Daniel Craid when he bows out after Bond 25. However, The Bodyguard was the biggest drama on British mainstram television for over a decade. Madden also starred in hugely popular Game of Thrones as Robb Stark.

Broccoli recently spoke out over all the latest delays and dramas which just hit the production of Bond 25, while Madden’s father revealed his son’s hopes. 

Production had been due to start this December with Danny Boyle on board to direct and write the script. After his shock departure over “creative differences” Cary Fukunaga was announced as his replacement, with filming pushed back to March 2019.

This also meant the release date for Daniel Craig’s final James Bond outing was changed from October 2019 to February 14, 2020.

Askd about whether she was worried over all the problems, Broccoli said: “Concerned about what? No, it’s film-making. We’re very excited about Bond and can’t wait.”

As rumours began to build around Richard Madden, his father Richard Sr said: “Whether it is James Bond or any other big role, Richard has got ideas about things he’d like to do…

“I’m quite sure he does want that to be on his CV one day but he’s not making a song and dance about it…”

No official statement has been made regarding Madden’s involvement.

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