THE WHITE Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger has emerged as a surprise contender for the James Bond role – in a surprising twist that will leave 007 fans furious.
Coral bookmakers have reported a wave of support for the actor, who is the son of Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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They have slashed his odds from 25-1 to just 6-1 following a surge of bets he’ll take over from Daniel Craig.
His growing popularity in the race for 007 comes after his recent role in the hit HBO series as Saxon Ratliff.
John Hill said: “Patrick Schwarzenegger has jumped into the James Bond mix, according to our odds.
“The son of the legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has been well-backed after starring on the latest season of White Lotus.”
The news is likely to stir controversy among Bond fans, as the franchise has historically favoured British actors for the role.
Despite his sudden surge, Theo James remains the frontrunner with odds of 2-1, followed closely by James Norton at 3-1 and Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 7-2.
Mike Dickman and Josh O’Connor are both priced at 5-1, while Patrick sits alongside James Nelson-Joyce and Callum Turner at 6-1.
Other notable names in the running include Henry Cavill and Jack Lowden at 8-1, with Stephen Graham a distant outsider at 33-1.
Recently, Bond franchise expert Mark O’Connell told how he believed fans will know the next suave spy’s identity by the summer.
Appearing on Nick Ferrari’s LBC radio show, he said he wanted Bond to remain British and favoured a non A-list name.
James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress
He said: “Henry Cavill could be back in the running now. Amazon’s choice could be different to the Broccolis. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a new guy called Harris Dickinson, keep an eye on him.”
Days ago it was confirmed that Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to “woke” Hollywood streaming site Amazon.
Before giving up ownership of the popular film franchise, 007’s stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson insisted the spy would retain his nationality and gender.
Ms Broccoli, who took over the Bond brand from company Eon Productions alongside Mr Wilson in 1995, made the arrangement before she agreed to sell the rights to Amazon in a £770million deal.
Insiders have hit back at fears the streaming giant – owned by Jeff Bezos – will turn Bond “woke”.
An insider told the Mail on Sunday: “Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”
Half-siblings Barbara Broccoli, 64, and Michael G Wilson, 83, took over the Bond franchise from their father and stepfather Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli – who bought the film rights from Bond creator Ian Fleming in 1961.
Since then there have been 25 movies – where Bond defeats villains bent on destruction, all while drinking martinis and seducing women
Timeline of James Bond actors
Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007.
The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years:
- Sean Connery – The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies.
- George Lazenby – The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy.
- Roger Moore – The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise.
- Timothy Dalton – The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
- Pierce Brosnan – The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002.
- Daniel Craig – The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005.
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