Alfonso Cuarón Eyes Bond—And the 007 Front-Runner Is No Longer Who You Think

The hunt for the next James Bond has taken a dramatic turn, with British actor Theo James now the frontrunner to inherit the world’s most coveted tuxedo. According to betting giant Ladbrokes, James has surged ahead of previous favourite Henry Cavill, sparking a frenzy among fans and industry insiders alike.

Theo James, 40, first captured international attention as the brooding “Four” in the Divergent trilogy, but it’s his recent roles that have propelled him into Bond contention. His acclaimed performances in The Time Traveller’s Wife, Mr Malcolm’s List, and Sanditon cemented his versatility, while his star-making turn in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit The Gentlemen is widely credited with tipping the scales. That role, combining suave charisma and razor-sharp intensity, has reportedly convinced bookmakers and audiences that James has all the makings of 007.

Ladbrokes spokesperson Cal Gildart confirmed the rapid shift: “Henry Cavill’s return to the head of the Bond betting didn’t last long, with Theo James as short as anyone has been to pick up the world’s most famous licence to kill.” Cavill, beloved for Man of Steel and The Witcher, remains in the mix, as does Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nocturnal Animals), James Norton (Happy Valley, The Nevers), and Jack Lowden (Mary Queen of Scots, Slow Horses).

Meanwhile, the next era of Bond could be as groundbreaking behind the camera as in front. Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón is reportedly in talks to helm the next two 007 outings, after Amazon’s acquisition of the franchise rights earlier this year. Cuarón’s cinematic pedigree is formidable: his credits include Gravity, Roma, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and he has collected 10 Academy Awards, 12 BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes.

If Cuarón does sign on, he will be reuniting with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with whom he collaborated on Harry Potter. The duo are set to take over Bond production duties from Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who have shepherded the iconic series for more than three decades.

As speculation intensifies and the odds continue to shift, one thing is certain: the future of James Bond is set for a bold new chapter, with Theo James now leading the pack to order his martini—shaken, not stirred.