Actor Callum Turner, long tipped as the frontrunner to take over as James Bond, is now facing serious competition for the iconic role, according to new betting data.
The actor’s chances of landing the part appear to have taken a slight hit after 23-year-old Louis Partridge surged in popularity this week, emerging as one of the leading contenders.
Partridge, best known for his role in House of Guinness, is now narrowly behind Turner in the bookmakers’ odds, despite previously being priced as high as 50/1.
With Turner still leading the pack of actors tipped to don 007’s tuxedo at 11/8, Partridge has become his closest rival at 3/1.
Oddschecker spokesman Chris Rogers explained the dramatic shift in the betting markets, saying: “Callum Turner is facing stiff competition as the race to become the next James Bond heats up.
“House of Guinness star Louis Partridge has seen his odds slashed from 50/1 to 3/1 as support grows for the 23-year-old.
“The young Englishman was the second most-backed actor over the past seven days, receiving 13 percent of bets — with only Turner attracting more.”
Support for Partridge comes just days after reports emerged that director Denis Villeneuve has been personally calling actors to let them know they have progressed in the audition process.
According to reports earlier this month, the acclaimed filmmaker, along with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, has begun reaching out to talent who will take part in screen tests scheduled for August.
Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on the developments.
The exact number of candidates advancing remains unclear, with industry sources offering estimates ranging from five to seven actors, while others suggest the shortlist could include more than a dozen names.
Studio executives are aiming to announce the new Bond before the end of 2026, allowing filming to begin sometime in 2027.
While not yet a household name, Partridge’s rumoured involvement follows reports that casting director Nina Gold has spent recent weeks meeting with emerging talent.
Sources say these sessions were designed to assess whether lesser-known actors should be added to an existing shortlist dominated by more established names.
Partridge is not the only surprise contender to emerge in the betting markets.
Scott Rose-Marsh, a 38-year-old actor from Southampton, has also attracted attention following reports that he was among those who auditioned last month.
William Hill now places him at 8/1, putting him alongside far more recognisable names in the race for the iconic role.
His screen credits include appearances in Amazon Prime Video’s The Outlaws and the BBC drama Chloe — a much more modest résumé than many of his rivals.
Rose-Marsh’s name previously surfaced in connection with the franchise after an online hoax circulated in 2025.
At the time, he publicly distanced himself from speculation surrounding the 007 role.
While Partridge and Rose-Marsh could signal an unexpected new era for the franchise, both still face strong competition from established Hollywood talent.
Turner remains the bookmakers’ favourite, while Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson remain close behind.
Turner also received a major endorsement earlier this month from George Clooney, who directed the 36-year-old in The Boys in the Boat.
“I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond,” Clooney told The Hollywood Reporter, describing the Masters of the Air star as “tall and handsome and charming and British” — “the perfect guy to do it.”
