Fans are rejoicing as Pedro Pascal has emerged as the frontrunner to portray the next James Bond villain.
The Last of Us and Gladiator 2 star is now the 4/1 favourite, narrowly edging out Cillian Murphy, who trails closely at 5/1, according to online bookmaker Betway.
Skyrocketing to fame in the last few years, Pascal’s recent run of roles has catapulted him into the global spotlight, making him a tantalising candidate for 007’s next adversary.
Betway now considers him the most likely star to take on the role, with fans sure to flock to cinemas for a chance to see Pascal’s take on a Bond bad guy.
‘Pedro Pascal’s star power has skyrocketed in recent years,’ said Betway spokesperson Mike Reading.
‘He’s built a global following thanks to standout performances in The Last of Us, Gladiator 2, and even hosting SNL. He is now the 4/1 favourite to take up the mantle of villain in the next James Bond film.’
But the odds are growing steeper for the rest of the field. Giancarlo Esposito and Barry Keoghan are both currently sitting at 6/1, while Mad Max: Fury Road star Charlize Theron (the highest-ranked female candidate) is listed at 10/1.
Further down the list are Stephen Graham, Saoirse Ronan, and Woody Harrelson, each with 16/1 odds.
Graham’s name has gained traction recently, thanks to his gritty turn in Adolescence, a performance Betway suggests could bring ‘a bold new flavour’ to the franchise.
The next Bond film, now under the full creative control of Amazon MGM, is still in early development, with no confirmed casting announcements.
Fans are also continuing to speculate about who will take on the role of 007 opposite whoever ends up as the newest Bond Villain (fingers crossed it will be Pascal).
Six years after Daniel Craig announced his retirement from the franchise, it appears we are no closer to unveiling the next 007.
Former favourite Idris Elba, 52, previously ruled himself out from playing the British spy, while other hotly tipped actors, including James Norton and Theo James, have remained coy.
The current front-runner to become Bond is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, while bookies’ Ladbrokes have also given preferential odds to the likes of Henry Cavill, Jack Lowden and Tom Hardy.
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