Next James Bond Odds 2025: Denis Villeneuve Confirmed as Director

• Denis Villeneuve has been officially confirmed as director of the 26th James Bond film
• Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains the betting favorite despite Amazon’s reported preference for younger actors
• Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson emerge as surprise contenders

The search for Daniel Craig’s replacement as James Bond took a major turn this week when Amazon MGM Studios officially announced Denis Villeneuve as director of the next 007 film. But the biggest question remains: who will be the next actor to order a vodka martini, shaken not stirred?

Despite recent reports that Amazon wants a British actor under 30, Aaron Taylor-Johnson continues to lead the next James Bond odds at BET99 Sportsbook. The 35-year-old Kick-Ass star sits at +140, making him the clear favorite even as speculation swirls about younger alternatives.

The table below shows the current next James Bond odds for who will portray the world’s most famous spy. In the sections that follow, we break down why the race for 007 might not be as settled as the odds suggest.

Next James Bond Odds After Daniel Craig

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Odds as of January 2025 at BET99 Sportsbook. Grab a Bet99 promo code to bet on the next James Bond. American residents should check out US betting sites.

Amazon’s Young Gun Strategy Shakes Up Bond Race

According to a report from Variety, Amazon MGM Studios is targeting actors under 30 for the iconic role. This preference has thrown years of speculation out the window, potentially eliminating several long-rumored candidates from contention.

The studio’s reported shortlist includes three surprising names: Tom Holland (29), Jacob Elordi (28), and Harris Dickinson (29). While Holland and Elordi aren’t currently listed in BET99’s next James Bond odds, Dickinson sits at +500, tied for second choice with Aaron Pierre and Theo James.

This youth movement would mark a big departure from recent casting trends. Daniel Craig was 38 when he first played Bond in Casino Royale, while Pierce Brosnan was 42 for GoldenEye.

The shift suggests Amazon wants to lock in their Bond for multiple films over many years, similar to how Marvel secured Tom Holland for Spider-Man when he was just 19.

Why Taylor-Johnson Still Leads Despite Age Concerns

At 35, Aaron Taylor-Johnson falls outside Amazon’s reported age preference, yet he remains the betting favorite at +140. This disconnect between reports and next James Bond odds suggests several possibilities.

First, sportsbooks might not fully trust the “under 30” report from Variety. Taylor-Johnson has been linked to the role for over a year. A 2024 report from The Sun even claimed he was offered the part. While never confirmed, that rumor hasn’t gone away.

Second, the odds might not have fully adjusted to the new information yet. Betting markets can be slow to react to breaking news, especially in entertainment props where money doesn’t flow as quickly as sports betting.

Taylor-Johnson’s experience in action franchises gives him an edge. From Kick-Ass to Avengers: Age of Ultron to Bullet Train, he’s proven he can handle the physical demands of a blockbuster role.

Dark Horse Candidates to Play James Bond

While much attention focuses on the Amazon shortlist, other actors are quietly climbing in the next James Bond odds. Aaron Pierre has emerged as a serious contender at +500 following his breakout role in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge.

The 31-year-old Londoner showcased exactly the kind of physicality and screen presence Bond demands, playing a former Marine uncovering corruption. His odds have shortened from +1200 just weeks ago.

Theo James, also at +500, brings his own credentials from Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen series on Netflix. At 40, he’s older than Amazon’s reported preference but fits the traditional Bond age profile.

Villeneuve Factor Changes Everything

Denis Villeneuve’s confirmation as director adds another wrinkle to the casting speculation. The Dune filmmaker brings serious prestige to the franchise, potentially attracting actors who might have otherwise passed.

“To me, [Bond is] sacred territory,” Villeneuve said in his announcement. “I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”

His involvement could explain why younger actors like Holland might consider the role despite already headlining major franchises. Some fans have even speculated whether Villeneuve might tap his Dune star Timothée Chalamet for the role, though at +4500 he’s a real longshot according to the bookies.

Should You Bet the Next James Bond Odds?

At +140 odds, Taylor-Johnson offers decent value if you believe the bookmakers over recent reports. The smart money might be on the second-tier candidates at +500. If Amazon truly wants someone under 30, Dickinson becomes attractive at those odds.

Aaron Pierre represents another value play. At 31, he’s close enough to the age cutoff while bringing the action credibility Amazon surely wants.

The reality is we’re still months away from an official announcement. With Villeneuve committed to finishing Dune 3 first, Bond 26 won’t start production until late 2026 at the earliest.

Until then, the speculation continues. Will they go young with Holland or Elordi? Stick with Taylor-Johnson? Or surprise everyone with a complete unknown? Whoever lands the role will have enormous shoes to fill following Daniel Craig’s acclaimed 15-year run.

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