Next Bond: ‘Honoured’ Henry Cavill overwhelming favourite to beat the 007 odds

It’s the biggest role in cinema history. And the latest box office figures out of Hollywood have just confirmed that the British secret agent remains the dominant force on the big screen. Daniel Craig’s final outing has smashed its way to $734million. That is already the third biggest Bond box office in history, even more extraordinary considering the continuing impact the global pandemic is having on cinema audiences. By contrast, Marvel’s latest Eternals is stalling at $336million, with Dune on $367million and Fast & Furious’ F9 finishing earlier this year on $721million. So, who will take up the mighty mantle of this global franchise next?

The race to replace Craig has been raging since 2016’s SPECTRE, when the actor preemptively said he would not return to the role. Five years later, he has finally stepped down and some of the original frontrunners remain in contention, like Idris Elba or Tom Hardy.

However, Superman and Witcher star Henry Cavill has always been quietly there, just behind the leaders. But do the experts and bookies have it right?

He is currently promoting Apple TV+’s movie Argylle and teased this week: “Nothing is off the table. It’s an honour to even be part of that conversation. I think it would be very exciting to have a conversation with the producers.”

READ MORE: Roger Moore said Bond star Herve Villechaize had ‘Unnatural lusts’

And yet, Cavill remains further down the odds round-up listings on 14/1 (rated as +1400 in US markets).

By comparison, teh overall favourite remains Tom Hardy on 4/1, Idris Elba on 5/1 and Bridgerton’s Rege-Jean Page on 8/1.

There is a clear difference between which stars have the best odds to be the next James Bond and which ones are receiving the most support from the public.

Ladbrokes shared their latest odds with Page much higher up and locked with Hardy on 4/1, followed by Madden on 5/1, with Umbrella Academy’s Tom Hopper on 6/1 alongside James Norton. They have Cavill slightly higher than the average on 10/1, neck and neck with Jamie Bell.

Of course, everything can change and Cavill’s profile is about to rocket again when the second season of The Witcher debuts on Netflix on December 17. This Superman still might shed his cape for that iconic tuxedo. 

The actor, of course, was famously down to the last two with Daniel Craig the previous time Bond was being cast after Pierce Brosnan finished his tenure.

Looking back, Cavill admitted: “I probably could have prepared better. I remember the director, Martin Campbell, saying: ‘Looking a little chubby there, Henry.’

“I didn’t know how to train or diet. And I’m glad Martin said something because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better.”

He also told Graham Norton: “I got close to a bunch of stuff and didn’t get it. But, it’s funny that people think that’s a bad thing. In Hollywood – or in the acting industry – everyone’s trying to get a role and they’re not necessarily getting them.

“And so, to get an opportunity to be in the limelight by missing out on the big roles is actually a good thing as opposed to a bad thing. And I count my lucky stars for each one of those.”