Il nuovo James Bond dovrebbe essere svelato tra poco.

Only three actors remain in contention for the role of James Bond, according to betting odds released this week. Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O'Connor are the final candidates being considered by Amazon MGM Studios, producers, and director Denis Villeneuve. The selection process involves final auditions that could conclude within days. These trials reportedly consist of three distinct components: executing stunt sequences, performing before cameras, and interpreting dialogue. Disagreements among key stakeholders regarding the lead actor have been noted by media reports, though the studio aims to finalize the choice soon. The current holder of the title, Daniel Craig, will be replaced. Craig assumed the role in the 2006 film Casino Royale and departed after his fifth installment, No Time to Die, released in 2021. Producer Amy Pascal stated earlier this year that finding a successor would be difficult. She described the need for a performance that is genuinely different, exciting, and new, acknowledging the challenge of stepping into Craig's shoes following her collaboration with producer Barbara Broccoli at the studio. Pascal indicated that the chosen actor might be announced by the end of the year. Betting platforms provide insight into industry expectations. Jack Lowden, known for the series Slow Horses, leads the field with a 62 percent probability. He is 36 years old. Callum Turner follows with a 25 percent chance. The British actor, recognized for roles in Skyros and Fantastic Beasts films, is also widely covered for his relationship with pop star Dua Lipa, whom he married this year. Josh O'Connor holds the third position with a 13 percent likelihood. The 36-year-old actor gained fame portraying Prince Charles in the series The Crown and appeared in the tennis film Challengers. Other names appearing on the odds include Richard Madden at 11 percent, Jack O'Connell at 8 percent, and Jacob Elordi at 7 percent. Contrary to previous speculation, neither Jacob Elordi nor Jack O'Connell appears to be part of the primary candidate pool, despite their presence in some odds listings. Media reports citing The Hollywood Reporter suggest these two are not currently under serious consideration for the lead role. Public reaction to the remaining finalists has been mixed. While audiences acknowledge the talent of Lowden and O'Connor, many feel none of the trio possesses the specific charisma associated with the character. Some observers suggested that Theo James, known for The White Lotus and The Gentlemen, might have received popular support, although reports indicate he declined the offer beforehand. The search for the next Bond girl is also underway. Betting data indicates Margaret Qualley has the highest probability at 33 percent. The American actress, known for Substance and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is favored over Sydney Sweeney and Anya Taylor-Joy, who both hold 25 percent chances. Florence Pugh follows at 17 percent, while Zendaya sits at 13 percent. Other names such as Margot Robbie and Scarlett Johansson appear with lower probabilities. Regarding the theme song, singer Raye is the favorite with a 50 percent chance of performing the track. She is followed by Olivia Dean, Dua Lipa, Sienna Spiro, Lana Del Rey, Oasis, and Lady Gaga. The upcoming film, which does not yet have a title, will be directed by Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, previously known for Dune. David Heyman, a producer of the Harry Potter franchise, will also produce the project. The final decision rests on the coordination between the studio, production team, and director.