At the end of the year the next James Bond movie, No Time To Die, will end Daniel Craig‘s time as the international spy, and usher in a brand new actor into the fold. Over the past year, Tom Hardy has been one of the favourites to take over from the Knives Out star, but that all could be about to change.

Hardy still has a strong lead – for now – with staggering odds of 3/1.

Ladbrokes reports Hardy is only being beaten by McMafia actor James Norton, who has a whopping 5/2 on becoming Bond next.

However, a newcomer on the scene has now appeared in the form of Paul Mescal.

Mescal is best known for portraying Connell in BBC‘s adaptation of Normal People.

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The show was based on the Sally Rooney novel of the same name.

Earlier this week Mescal won a BAFTA for his portrayal in the TV series, sparking interest in him becoming the next 007.

At the moment, the star’s odds on becoming Bond are at 14/1.

These odds have been slashed drastically from 25/1 just days before.

Page has an incredible 3/1 alongside Hardy, putting them firmly on the front lines of the odds.

They are followed by Disney star Luke Evans, whose odds were recently slashed to 5/1 after he expressed a desire to take on the legendary hero.

Evans is joined by Luther star Idris Elba who has a fantastic 7/1 on claiming the spot.

Superman, DC Comics heartthrob and the nation’s sweetheart Henry Cavill is just behind with a staggering 10/1.

With so many mighty names ahead of Mescal, he still has his work cut out for him if he wants to begin taking his martinis shaken, not stirred.

But with so many actors ahead of him, he may have to start expressing his interest sooner rather than later.

James Bond No Time To Die is due to hit cinemas on September 30, 2021.