Who will be the next James Bond? Outlander actor Sam Heughan could be 007 as bookies slash odds – what he’s said

Following the death of legendary Scottish Bond actor Sean Connery last year, speculation around Sam Heughan taking on the iconic role increased

The odds on Outlander star Sam Heughan being the next James Bond have been slashed by bookmakers, as the actor flexes his muscles in recent action-packed movies like films like Bloodshot and SAS: Red Notice.

His recent roles come hot on the heels of the Scot adding further fuel to rumours he’s next in line to play the super spy last November.

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Speaking to Stellar Magazine, Heughan said he would “obviously” take on the role if it were offered to him, and said, “any actor would want it.”

(Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)(Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
(Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Here is everything you need to know.

Will Heughan be the next James Bond?

As Daniel Craig prepares to depart the franchise after the release of No Time to Die (his fifth appearance as Bond), fans have been speculating on who could step into the shoes of one of cinema’s most iconic roles.

Names thrown about include Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill, but Heughan remains one of the bookies’ favourites.

“I also have a theory that any reasonably well-known British actor who’s worn a suit instantly has their name thrown into the ring by fans,” Heughan told Stellar, perhaps leveraging expectations and warning fans not to get their hopes up too much.

Leading bookmakers Betway have slashed the odds of him replacing Daniel Craig in the iconic role from 7/1 to 3/1.

Only Tom Hardy (3/1), James Norton and Henry Cavill (4/1) have shorter odds in the race to secure the part. Other names in the mix include McMafia’s James Norton, and Tom Hiddleston.

Do fans want to see Heughan as Bond?

It would appear so.

In July 2020, Heughan came first in a poll of fans casting their opinion on who they’d like to see step into the iconic shoes of James Bond, conducted by Radio Times.

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Readers were asked to choose from a shortlist of 20 names. The top five featured Tom Hardy in second place, followed by Superman actor Henry Cavill, then Elba, and Tom Hiddleston in fifth.

Radiotimes.com editorial director Tim Glanfield said at the time: “Sam is clearly very popular with fans and this victory solidifies his position as one of the public favourites for this most coveted of film roles.

“With a host of incredible talent in the frame to take over from Daniel Craig, Sam certainly has some stiff competition.”

But perhaps Heughan himself isn’t so keen; last year, the actor denied he was to be the next James Bond when asked by American talk show host Jimmy Fallon about being on "the top of many lists".

He said: "I can reveal right now that I...am not James Bond. I'm still waiting for the call."

After the clip was shared on social media, Heughan told his 561,000 Twitter followers: "Not sure Bond could be ginger...?"

Could we see another Scottish Bond?

Speculation of another Scottish James Bond intensified in 2020 following the death of Sean Connery, who first portrayed the spy in 1962’s Dr. No and went on to star in six more Bond films.

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Heughan previously revealed that he had auditioned for the Bond role 15 years ago.

“Obviously it’s a dream for every actor,” he said. “I auditioned for it back when they were doing Bond 21 – when Daniel Craig was cast in Casino Royale and I think a lot of actors were seen in the UK.

“And a Scottish Bond, who doesn’t want to see another Scottish Bond?”