Joining the list of "James Bond" prospects is British actor and "Poldark" lead star Aidan Turn. (Photo : Getty Images/Tony Barson)
Tom Hiddleston may, for now, be the leading favorite to play the iconic James Bond role, but other strong contenders are now taking the spotlight. Joining the list of prospects is British actor and "Poldark" lead star Aidan Turn.
The 33-year-old star is the new fan favorite to play the iconic spy. According to News Letter UK, punters raised their bets in favor of Turner succeeding Daniel Craig as the next Bond. In June, the odds were at 1-2 for Turner, while Hiddleston was at second with 2-1 odds. Also on the list were Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Damian Lewis.
The issue about who will play the next James Bond created a lot of buzz, after it was reported that incumbent 007 Daniel Craig is retiring from the role and has declined to take part in another film despite increased offers. One of the reasons for his reported exit is that he will be busy filming a new American television series titled "Purity."
Among those actors hotly tipped for the role was Hiddleston, currently one-half of the celebrity couple Hiddleswift. Hiddleston grabbed viewers' attention when he played a spy in the BBC miniseries "The Night Manager," based on a novel written by John le Carré. The series saw Hiddleston taking on the role of Jonathan Pine, an undercover agent for the MI6 who sought to quell the evils of international arms trade by taking out its biggest player, Richard Roper.
The "Thor" star previously denied rumors about being the next James Bond, saying the role is not up for casting as far as he is aware. He also said he believes Craig is still set to do many more "Bond" films.
In the meantime, "James Bond" producer Barbara Broccoli has kept quiet about the controversy surrounding the franchise. Furthermore, Sam Mendes, who directed "Skyfall" and "Spectre," reminded fans that casting for the role is not left to the discretion of the public.
"I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect," Mendes told Mirror in an interview. He also commented that Broccoli has done a terrific job making the choice.
