Hopper cut from 100-1 to 3-1 favourite to be next James Bond - The Dubrovnik Times

The Umbrella Academy star Tom Hopper has emerged as a genuine contender to play the next James Bond, with bookmaker William Hill today slashing him from 100-1 to 3-1 favourite. With rumours that Bond's Eon Productions handlers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have now drafted a shortlist,
The Umbrella Academy star Tom Hopper has emerged as a genuine contender to play the next James Bond, with bookmaker William Hill today slashing him from 100-1 to 3-1 favourite. With rumours that Bond's Eon Productions handlers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have now drafted a shortlist, this latest activity on William Hill’s Next Bond After Daniel Craig market is perhaps a clear indication the once outsider’s name is almost certainly in the frame. Hopper, who was available at 100-1 just 24 hours ago, has just signed up to feature in new Netflix movie Love In The Villa, following quality work in the likes of Game of Thrones, Black Sails and The Umbrella Academy. His star has been on an upwards trajectory thanks to his acclaimed roles in the likes of 90210 and Tormented. The Coalville-born 36-year-old has also appeared in the likes of Merlin, Doctor Who and Casualty, while recently played supporting roles in the Amy Schumer comedy I Feel Pretty and last year’s sci-fi sequel Terminator: Dark Fate. So, could he go from Dickon Tarly — brother of Samwell — in Game of Thrones, or Billy Bones in Black Sails, to Hopper, Tom Hopper? Somebody certainly thinks so, especially given a recent rush of money on a man without a signature leading role on the big screen. “It looks like we have been caught on the hop here,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams. “Yesterday morning Tom Hopper was completely off our radar, but he is firmly on it now. The gamble suggests that he is almost certainly on the shortlist.” As Daniel Craig drives his Aston Martin off into the sunset, the frontrunners to become the world’s most famous super spy are becoming a little clearer. The Bodyguard and Eternals star Richard Madden has been backed in to 4-1. As long-time favourites, Venom and Revenant star Tom Hardy is still firmly in the hunt at 4-1, while Bridgerton breakout Rege-Jean Page, who has long been touted, is on the slide at 7-1. Meanwhile, North Yorkshire actor James Norton, who has enjoyed major roles in Happy Valley, Little Women, Grantchester and McMafia, is 6-1, and Luther star Idris Elba, who has done his best to distance himself from the role in recent weeks, is now out at 16-1. That leading group is then followed by the likes of Superman himself Henry Cavill (10-1), Nine Perfect Strangers star Luke Evans (12-1), alongside current 007 Lashana Lynch (also 12-1), and Loki lead Tom Hiddleston (14-1).