While we await the arrival of No Time To Die, the James Bond casting rumours have gone into overdrive. Tipped to replace Daniel Craig in the role of 007 is dashing Regé-Jean Page, currently stealing hearts as the hunky Simon Bassett in streaming hit Bridgerton.
The British-Zimbabwean actor put his own spin on proceedings with the following Instagram post. In it, he tags himself with a twist on the classic 007 catchphrase: 'Shaken and stirred.' Is Page putting himself forward as the next James Bond?
Variety reports: "Ladbrokes’ odds on which actor will play the next Bond is a closely followed process in the U.K. Page is now just 5/1 in the betting with Ladbrokes to replace Craig as Bond, having previously been 40/1 before Christmas."
“Tom Hardy still leads the way as favorite, with James Norton close behind in second place," says Ladbrokes representative Alex Apati. "But it really is all to play for in the race for 007 and RJP has a great chance if the odds are anything to go by."
Saucy and irreverent period drama Bridgerton comes from the pen of Chris Van Dusen, who adapts Julia Queen's book series of the same name. The show explores the love lives of London's gaudily attired Regency figureheads during the early 19th century. Front and centre is Page's smouldering Duke of Hastings, one of the capital's most lusted-after bachelors.
Whether Page will make the grade for Bond remains to be seen. Were he to be cast, he would be the first actor of colour to play the role, one that's been traditionally held by white men. Producer Barbara Broccoli has said that 007 "can be of any colour, but he is male".
In the meantime, Daniel Craig is set to bow out with No Time To Die, his fifth Bond movie following Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre. In the movie, a retired 007 is called back to active service to eliminate the evil Safin (Rami Malek), who has connections to Bond's lover Madeleine (Lea Seydoux). Lashana Lynch and Ana De Armas co-star as Nomi and Paloma, two agents who challenge 007's supremacy, and who may indicate where the long-running Bond franchise is headed in the future.
No Time To Die is scheduled for release (at the time of writing) on 2nd April 2021. Who should be James Bond after Daniel Craig steps down? Tweet us your suggestions @Cineworld.
.jpg)
.png)
