James Bond: Tom Hardy's chances THREATENED as lesser-known star overtakes in race for 007

James Bond stalwart Daniel Craig has confirmed No Time To Die will be his final appearance as the title character. Following his fifth outing as 007, he will be succeeded by a new actor for the next Bond movie, but just who that might be still up for debate. There’s fierce competition for the job, including big names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston.

This week, bookies have seen surprising movement when it comes to the frontrunners,

While Venom star Hardy has been holding steady with chances of 8-1 of getting the Bond title for weeks now, he and his fellow A-listers Elba and Chris Hemsworth have been overtaken by War & Peace actor Jack Lowden.

Where Lowden was priced at 10-1 just last week, he has shot up to 6-1 in the past few days.

This puts him fifth on the list, with only four names more likely to snag the Bond job than him, according to Ladbrokes.

READ MORE: JAMES BOND: ‘IDRIS ELBA’S MOMENT HAS PASSED’

Nonetheless, Heughan acknowledged his stiff competition for the role, saying: “I know I’ve got competition out there, so we’ll see what happens.”

In a separate interview with The Scottish Sun, he joked that he would only sign up as the new Bond if he was allowed to play the character in a kilt.

Before Craig is replaced, however, he still has one more film under his belt: Bond 25, No Time To Die.

Set for release next April, his last outing as 007 will open with his character retired from active service and living a quiet life in Jamaica.