Could 2025 finally be the year that the next James Bond is announced?

Whatever the case, the bookies race has seen Aaron Taylor-Johnson, their longtime favourite for the role, face new challengers.

Aside from Josh O’Connor’s shooting up the odds, The Gentlemen’s Theo James has leapfrogged over the Kraven the Hunter star into first place.

Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: “There’s a new Bond frontrunner, and his name just happens to be James.

“Like preparing a good vodka martini, Theo James has shaken up the conversation with his move to the top of the betting to replace Daniel Craig.”

Theo was all the way back on 25-1 as recently as mid-November and is now 2-1 to take up the Licence to Kill next.

Although, given he’s 40, he may be too old for the role given that Bond producers have said they’re probably looking for an actor in his thirties.

Also in the bookies’ race is Taylor-Johnson on 5-2, O’Connor on 4-1, Paul Mescal on 6-1, Jack Lowden on 8-1 and Callum Tuner on 9-1.