Paul Mescal sees odds slashed on replacing Daniel Craig as next James Bond

Actor Paul Mescal is now second favourite to be the next James Bond, according to bookies.

Odds have been slashed by Ladbrokes on the Co Kildare native to be announced as the next 007 after the departure of Daniel Craig.

Ladbrokes have cut the odds for the second time in a month on the Gladiator II star to succeed Daniel Craig as 007.

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Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: "If Paul Mescal’s first move up the leaderboard to be the next James Bond had shaken things up, his latest odds cut has stirred plenty of speculation. Things will get very interesting if he overtakes long-time favourite Taylor-Johnson in the near future."

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is still the favourite to get the role after reports suggested that Bond producers had screen tested and chosen him as their next leading man.

But after his star turn in the Colosseum, the Gladiator II actor’s odds to be the next James Bond were slashed from 10/1 to 3/1 last month.

His odds have now shortened further to 2/1, making him the second-favorite to take over the iconic role behind Taylor-Johnson (evens).

The pair lead a seven-name list of actors all priced below 10/1 to pick up cinema’s most famous licence to kill, including Theo James (7/2), Jack Lowden (7/1) and James Norton (8/1).

Rumours about 007’s potential replacement have been swirling for years.

Paul said in 2020: "I’m a huge Bond fan. I think it’s an incredible franchise. But it feels very, very far away from current circumstances.

"Would I play Bond? Yeah? I don’t know. If it ever came my way, we’d have a discussion about it.

"I don’t know. I don’t want to say yes or no. I am a massive fan, and will continue to be, regardless."

No Time To Die Bond girl Ana de Armas has said Paul should replace Daniel Craig, 55, who played 007 from 2006 to 2021.

But producer Barbara Broccoli said in October her team "haven’t even begun" the Bond modernisation process.

Fans will likely have to wait until 2025 or 2026 for the next film.

If Paul does get the role, he’ll follow in the footsteps of Navan man Pierce Brosnan, 70, who played Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002.

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