James Bond fans 'CONVINCED' Tom Hardy is new 007 as odds SLASHED on replacing Daniel Craig

James Bond will be saying goodbye to the Daniel Craig era later this year when he bows out following the release of his fifth and final movie No Time To Die. While franchise bosses are playing their cards close to their chests when it comes to who is replacing him, fans have a few big names in mind. According to Ladbrokes, former favourite to be the next Bond Tom Hardy is making a comeback in the race, with odds tumbling on the Dark Knight Rises actor snagging the role.

“Tom Hardy is fast-closing the leaders at the head of the Bond betting with punters growing increasingly convinced the Peaky Blinders star will be the next 007,” Alex Apati of Ladbrokes told Express.co.uk.

Just last week, Hardy was down the list on 8/1 to take over as the new Bond.

Now, he’s in fourth place in the race, behind Richard Madden, Sam Heughan and current favourite James Norton.

After his odds were trimmed to 6/1 earlier this week, they’ve fallen again to just 5/1, putting him on an equal footing with Tom Hiddleston.

READ MORE: JAMES BOND CONTENDER CLOSES GAP ON TOM HARDY

The McMafia and Little Women actor did, however, praise the franchise, saying: “I love the franchise and hope Barbara Broccoli continues to make it relevant.”

“There is no truth behind it,” he added. “It’s bizarre and quite flattering to be even considered in that world, but beyond that? Pure speculation.”

The new face of the franchise is likely to be introduced after Craig’s final film No Time To Die is released in cinemas later this year.

The upcoming 25th Bond movie was set for release earlier this month but was delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak.