Speculation is intensifying not only about who will be the next James Bond, but also which major artist will land the coveted role of performing the film's theme song. With Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumoured to be stepping into 007's shoes, attention is now turning to the music that will define his era.
The Frontrunners for the 007 Theme
According to the latest odds from Ladbrokes, Dua Lipa is the current favourite at 2/1 to sing the next Bond theme. The pop superstar has had a monumental year, headlining Glastonbury and topping charts with her album 'Radical Optimism'. Industry experts suggest she could offer a "two-for-one" deal for producers, potentially appearing in the film as a Bond girl while also providing the soundtrack.
Close behind is Brit Award record-breaker Raye at 3/1. The 'Escapism' singer has publicly stated she would jump at the chance "in a heartbeat", and her genre-blending style is seen as a perfect fit for a modern Bond. Her historic six Brit Award wins in 2024 have cemented her as a major star with the vocal power for the job.
Surprise Contenders and British Legends
In a surprising twist, recently reunited Britpop icons Oasis are listed at 7/1. A source told The Sun that the band's "swagger and anthemic music would be perfect", noting that Noel Gallagher is a known Bond fan who has previously expressed irritation that an American, Jack White, scored a theme. Noel has even claimed to have written songs he thought would make "a great Bond theme".
Other strong British contenders include Sam Fender at 4/1, whose dark, soulful tenor and themes of isolation are seen as a natural match for the franchise. North-East England would certainly celebrate if the Geordie singer secured the role.
Global Superstars in the Mix
The list of potential performers features several international megastars. American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is also at 4/1, praised by former Bond Daniel Craig for her "guts". Her versatile musical range, from country to club hits, demonstrates the talent needed for such an iconic track.
Lana Del Rey stands at 6/1 and has previously revealed she wrote a song for 2015's 'Spectre' that was rejected. She has openly wondered, "how has that not happened?" regarding a Bond theme collaboration.
While not currently in Ladbrokes' top odds, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift have also been heavily discussed. Gaga's proven ability to merge acting and singing, coupled with her powerful vocals, makes her a logical candidate. Taylor Swift's unparalleled songwriting success and global fame have led betting experts to insist she is "certainly not to be taken out of the running".
The legacy of Bond themes is immense, with past performers including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Paul McCartney, Adele, and Billie Eilish. The decision will signal the musical direction for the new era of 007, making it one of the most anticipated announcements in both film and music. With no official word on the next film's production, the speculation and betting odds are likely to keep shifting until the studio makes its choice.