James Bond odds: US TV star becomes BIG contender to replace Daniel Craig as next 007

Betting on Craig’s successor has been going on for years now, even though Craig has yet to even begin filming his final outing as 007. But with Tom Hiddleston, James Norton, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Richard Madden still at the front of the pack according to bookies, it seems another name has emerged near the top of the heap.

Justin Hartley was previously touted as a contender for the iconic spy last summer, when his odds surpassed Tom Hiddleston’s.

The actor had almost no high-profile speculation in the media suggesting he was in talks for the part at the time – and now he appears to be back in the running, according to Oddschecker’s listings.

His odds are currently 10/1, according to UniBet.

That makes him fifth-favourite with that particular firm, behind Hiddleston, Norton, Elba and Hardy.

Hiddleston remains the narrow favourite on 17/20, while Norton is on 5/2, Elba on 7/2 and Hardy on 5/1.

Hartley shares his position on 10/1 wth Jack Huston and Aidan Turner, although those two both have much longer odds with other firms (Huston, for example, is at 50/1 with SkyBet).

Elba’s odds have also had a resurgence in recent days, after his appearance in BBC One’s Luther.

However the actor has repeatedly distanced himself from speculation.

Meanwhile, Daniel Craig’s last hurrah as James Bond will go into production in March ahead of a release next year.

It will be his fifth movie as the iconic spy; following Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.

Cary Joji Fukunaga is directing, having taken over from Danny Boyle.

James Bond 25 is out on February 14, 2020.