A new leading candidate has emerged in the race to become the next James Bond, bringing significant star power along with him. After years of speculation and a revolving door of fan favorites, a new British actor appears to be taking the lead in the quest to succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic 007.

While familiar names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Idris Elba, James Norton, and Line of Duty‘s Martin Compston remain contenders, one actor seems to be gaining momentum since Craig’s final appearance in No Time To Die.

According to UK betting firm Coral, Callum Turner, known for his role in Fantastic Beasts and as the fiancé of pop star Dua Lipa, is now the favorite to slip into Bond’s legendary role. Turner has consistently been a part of the conversation, but his recent performance alongside Elizabeth Olsen in the romantic comedy Eternity has boosted his prospects significantly.

Following a surge of betting in the last 24 hours, Turner’s odds have improved significantly, dropping from 5-2 to 7-4. “We’ve seen a wave of support for Callum Turner in our next James Bond betting over the past day,” said Coral’s John Hill, as reported by The Standard. “The British actor is now the frontrunner for the role.”

Trailing behind Turner are Taylor-Johnson and White Lotus star Theo James at 3-1, with Henry Cavill positioned at 6-1. Other names in the mix include Anthony Boyle at 10-1, Harris Dickinson at 12-1, and both Jack Lowden and James Norton at 16-1.

Meanwhile, the next Bond film appears to be inching forward. Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that British screenwriter Steven Knight — best known for Peaky Blinders — is writing the script. The installment will be directed by Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune and Arrival. Heavy-hitting producers David Heyman (Harry Potter) and Amy Pascal (Spider-Man) are also on board.

Earlier this year, Amazon finalized a game-changing deal with longtime Bond guardians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to take full control of the character and its surrounding IP, signaling a new era for the franchise. Villeneuve’s appointment suggests the wheels may at last be turning.

Of course, Turner isn’t the only British star still fielding 007 speculation. Last month, George Mackay addressed the long-running chatter that he could be Craig’s successor. The 1917 actor has hovered near the top of bookmakers’ lists, with The Guardian once describing him as having “that look that mixes vague meanness with woolly competence” and “a spoonful of the eccentric enigmatic.” Bond commentator and author Mark O’Connell even called him an “interesting” choice who is “going places” in an interview with PageSix.

And yes — it doesn’t hurt that he starred opposite Bond girl Léa Seydoux in 2023’s The Beast.

When asked at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of his new film & Sons whether he’d be game for the Bond gig, Mackay couldn’t resist responding with a grin. “I mean, like, come on. Like, Bonds? Yeah, sure,” he laughed. And when pressed on whether any official conversations had taken place? “I couldn’t say… No, I’m not going to be drawn further than that.

“But hey, it’s nice to be in the mix, y’know? And what a role? Like Denis Villenueve, he’s top of the game. So yeah, of course.”