It’s been nearly four years since the last James Bond film, with Daniel Craig starring No Time To Die.
The Bond-drought is coming to an end though, with confirmation in recent weeks that the 26th instalment of the spy series will be directed by Canadian Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight, and produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman.
But there’s still no sign of who will play the title character - with further doubt cast on the recuitment process after Barbara Broccoli and her half brother Michael G. Wilson, who have effectively previously handpicked the Bond actors since the 1990s, signed over ‘full creative control’ to Amazon MGM Studios.
It had previously been reported that Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been offered the part, but that now seems unlikely - and a number of actors have been tipped over the course of this year.
And this week a new favourite has emerged, just as it seems likely an announcement will be made imminently.
Here are the latest 13 actors with the best chance of enjoying their martinis shaken not stirred - according to the bookies.
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9. Aaron Pierre - 12/1
An actor who wasn't even in the frame a couple of months ago, but who became one of the favourites to play 007, only to see his odds slide in recent weeks is Aaron Pierre. The English actor found fame in television scifi 'Krypton' and has gone on to star in films such as 'Old', 'Rebel Ridge' and 'Mufasa: The Lion King'. He's now priced at 12/1, having been as low as 5/1. | Getty Images
10. James Norton - 14/1
Another actor who has been long been tipped to play Bond is James Norton, but his odds have drifted out to 14/1 in recent weeks and are stubbornly refusing to narrow. The 'Happy Valley' and 'Grantchester' actor certainly looked comfortable in a tux in the BBC's 'McMafia series'. | Getty Images For SOLT
11. Sam C. Wilson - 14/1
Also a 14/1 shot is 'House of the Dragon' actor Sam C. Wilson. He's also appeared on the big screen in 'Dodger', 'Deep Cover' and Blade Runner. If the casting directors are looking to cast a relative unknown then he could be their man. | Getty Images
12. Paddy Gibson - 16/1
Irish actor Paddy Gibson is also yet to find global fame. Technically, he's already played the British superspy - in computer game '007 First Light', which will be out next year. He's also starred as a young Dexter Morgan in the serial killer prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin'. At one point he was the 15/8 for Bond, but he's since dropped down to 16/1 - which is still very much in contention. | AFP via Getty Images