Next James Bond odds: James Norton TOPS Tom Hardy as Daniel Craig's last 007 moves forward

Earlier today the official 007 website confirmed Danny Boyle would direct Daniel Craig’s final James Bond movie, with a UK release date set for October 25, 2019.

But while that’s a good 18 months away, fans are already thinking ahead to his replacement.

Both Norton and Hardy have been the joint favourites for some time, but now the McMafia star has taken the lead.

Coral bookmakers report Norton is 5-2 to replace Craig as Bond.

A spokesman said: “James Norton ticks all the right boxes to play the next James Bond and is currently leading the betting to replace Daniel Craig as the next 007.”

Meanwhile behind him is Hardy at 3-1, Jack Huston at 5-1, Idris Elba at 6-1 and Aidan Turner at 8-1.

Other big contenders include Harry Styles at 8-1, Tom Hiddleston at 10-1, and Michael Fassbender and Jamie Dornan at 16-1.

Meanwhile the odds of any female replacing Craig are at 12-1.

As for when Craig’s replacement will be announced, we do have a theory. The Bond franchise has been very good at celebrating their big anniversaries over the years.

Back in 2002 the not so fondly remembered Die Another Day had a number of nods to the franchise in celebration.

But come the 50th anniversary in 2012 and Skyfall had to do the franchise justice, especially after Quantum of Solace’s writers strike troubles in 2008.

Luckily Craig and director Sam Mendes produced one of the best entries to date that perfectly mixed the new modern feel with some classic additions, including M’s old office and the Aston Martin DB5.

It should come as no surprise then that Bond producers must surely have a 2022 date in their minds to mark the 60th anniversary with a new actor in the rebooting Bond 26.

With this in mind our betting is Craig’s replacement will be announced in 2021, since the incumbent was confirmed a year in advance of Casino Royale.

James Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas on October 25th, 2019.