Netflix’s new period drama Bridgerton has been taking the world by storm over Christmas and New Year. None more so than Duke of Hastings star Regé-Jean Page who fans on social media have been calling on to be the next James Bond. The 31-year-old British-Zimbabwean had odds of 40-1 at Ladbrokes but those have since been slashed down to 16-1.
This means the bookmakers have Page with better odds of taking up the Licence to Kill after Daniel Craig than Jamie Bell, Michael Fassbender and even Chris Hemsworth.
A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “Regé-Jean Page has shot up the betting and is now firmly considered a frontrunner in the race to replace Daniel Craig as 007.”
Just ahead of the Bridgerton hunk is Jack Lowden on 8-1, Richard Madden at 7-1 and Sam Heughan on 6-1.
While firm frontrunners remain Idris Elba on 4-1, James Norton at 9-4 and the ever-popular favourite Tom Hardy with odds of 7-4.
READ MORE: Next James Bond: Regé-Jean Page BACKED for new 007 by Bridgerton fans
Of course, it’s worth pointing out that No Time To Die is still yet to release, with Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson reiterating all their focus is on Daniel Craig’s final outing right now.
However, with the 25th 007 mission having been delayed a year due to the pandemic, for all fans know EON Productions could be making plans for the next Bond behind the scenes.
In fact, 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the beloved film franchise, so that would be the perfect timing to announced Craig’s successor.
Certainly, it looks like Regé-Jean Page would be keen to be the first BAME Bond, what with his currently pinned tweet including a possible cryptic 007 reference.
Firstly, Page is 31-years-old, so by the time the star could be cast he’d be heading toward his mid-thirties, which was around Craig’s age in Casino Royale.
Secondly, he’s tall, incredibly handsome and has shown from Bridgerton that he can play slightly posh with a hint of mystery about him just like 007 himself.
Thirdly, while there have been calls in recent years for a female Bond, Broccoli has made it clear a number of times that Ian Fleming’s character is and will remain male.
However, the producers are open to auditioning actors of any colour. And with the last six official Bonds being white, now would be the perfect time to introduce the first BAME incarnation of the spy.
On her plans for rebooting Bond after Craig’s swan song in No Time To Die, Broccoli has shared fans are in for a “reimaging”.
Speaking with Total Film in October last year, the 60-year-old said: “It will have to be reimagined, in the way each actor has reimagined the role. That’s what is so exciting and fun about this franchise; the character evolves.
“Eventually, when we have to think about it, we’ll find the right person. He doesn’t need to be a white man. Not as far as I’m concerned.”
No Time To Die is released in cinemas on April 2, 2020.
