Tom Francis, a 26-year-old Olivier Award-winning actor known for his stage work in Sunset Boulevard and & Juliet, has reportedly auditioned for the role of James Bond, shaking up the betting odds and placing him among the frontrunners to succeed Daniel Craig.
Who is Tom Francis?
Francis, who recently starred opposite Nicole Scherzinger in Jamie Lloyd's production of Sunset Boulevard, also appeared in six episodes of Netflix's You as Clayton Angevine during the fifth series. He made his film debut in Noah Baumbach's Jay Kelly alongside George Clooney and is set to appear in the upcoming sports drama The Mosquito Bowl directed by Peter Berg, starring Nicholas Galitzine and Bill Skarsgård.
According to Variety, Francis auditioned in a process overseen by Bond casting director Nina Gold. A source with knowledge of the production told the publication, though representatives for Francis and Amazon MGM did not comment.
Latest James Bond odds
Paddy Power lists the latest odds: Callum Turner leads at 5/4, followed by Louis Partridge and Tom Francis at 10/3, Harris Dickinson at 4/1, Jacob Elordi and Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 5/1, Jack Lowden at 7/1, Josh O'Connor and Henry Ashton at 8/1, and Theo James at 10/1.
Ladbrokes spokesperson Alex Apati told Metro: 'The race to replace Daniel Craig is more wide-open than ever, and while Callum Turner continues to lead the way, the odds suggest an unknown name could well get the gig.'
Other contenders
Variety previously reported Amazon considered 22-year-old Louis Partridge for the role. Partridge joked about impressing writer Steven Knight: 'Maybe I could be at the bar, swilling a martini, saying nothing.' He previously appeared in Knight's Netflix series House of Guinness.
Producers are reportedly seeking a younger actor for the reboot, even before Amazon MGM Studios purchased creative control from Eon. A younger Bond could increase the number of films and potential spin-offs.
Official casting status
MGM and Amazon confirmed 'the search for the next James Bond is underway' but will announce 'when the time is right.' A source told The Sun: 'Bond won't be back until 2028. The production mindset's gone from "Let's hurry this through" to "Make sure we get this right."'
Metro has reached out to Amazon MGM Studios for comment.
