The Leading Contender Everyone Thinks Should Be the Next James Bond
Jacob Elordi has surged to the top as the favorite to take over the iconic role of James Bond following Daniel Craig’s departure. The 28-year-old Australian actor has been riding a wave of success since starring as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which was released worldwide to strong box office numbers.
Elordi’s rise has been dramatic. Just last week, his odds were 14/1, placing him well behind the previous frontrunner, Callum Turner. Following the film’s successful Presidents Day weekend, his odds dropped to 5/4, according to William Hill. Turner, who had led the market for several weeks, has seen his odds drift from 7/10 to 6/4, leaving him in second place as Elordi takes the lead.
Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, said that Elordi was considered an outsider only a month ago but has quickly become the favorite as audiences respond to his performance as Heathcliff. Bettors have been pouring support behind him, with more than half of all new wagers backing Elordi over the past 24 hours.
The momentum from Wuthering Heights has even affected his co-star, Margot Robbie, who is now being considered as a potential Bond girl. Chris Rogers of Oddschecker noted that while Turner had dominated the betting markets for weeks, Elordi has gained strong support in the last 12 hours, with 56 percent of bets now favoring him.
Other names still in the running include Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James, though they currently lag behind the leaders. The box office success of Wuthering Heights has helped propel Elordi into the spotlight. The film earned $82 million globally during its debut, making it the year’s biggest opening in North America.
Despite some early controversy over casting choices, audiences have embraced Elordi in the role of Heathcliff, suggesting that he can handle leading roles in both literary adaptations and action-packed franchises like James Bond.
Beyond the Bond speculation, Elordi has been busy with several other high-profile projects. He earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his performance as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which premiered on Netflix in late 2025.
Looking ahead, fans can expect to see him in Ridley Scott’s science fiction drama The Dog Stars, scheduled for release in August. He is also set to star alongside Lily-Rose Depp in the Appalachian drama Outer Dark, which begins filming later this year.
On the small screen, Elordi will return to HBO’s Euphoria for its third and final season, set to premiere on April 12. The new season will include a significant time jump and mark a farewell for the main cast, including the late Eric Dane.
With a mix of gothic horror, romantic drama, and blockbuster roles, Elordi has successfully transitioned from teen heartthrob to serious Oscar contender. Fans and industry insiders now see him as a strong candidate to step into Bond’s tuxedo, bringing both star power and dramatic depth to the role.
What do you think about Jacob Elordi being the new frontrunner for James Bond? Share your thoughts in the comments.
