Belfast: Judi Dench and Jamie Dornan star in film

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Just over a year ago, Daniel Craig stepped down from the iconic and world-renowned role of James Bond. The actor played 007 for 15 years throughout five films, but No Time To Die became his final adventure. Since then, the hunt for his replacement has been on, and Jamie Dornan has been nearing the top of the list for months. Now, the Irish star has broken his silence on what he really thinks will happen with the character now Craig is out of the picture.

Dornan, who is best known for playing Christian Grey in the raunchy film series, 50 Shades of Grey, was recently quizzed by Radio Times about his Bond chances. 

The actor nonchalantly replied: “Of course, it’s nice to be in those conversations.” However, he hinted that he wasn’t surprised he has been included in the race thus far. “If you’re an actor of a certain age who’s had a good year, there’s an inevitability about it,” he added.

The actor – who also played serial killer Paul Spector in The Fall – went on to add that fans likely won’t know the next Bond actor. He said: “They’ll probably replace Daniel with somebody who’s never been on one of those lists.”

At the time of writing, Dornan is within the top ten names in the Bond odds to replace Craig. Most recently, Ladbrokes awarded the star 18/1 on becoming the next version of the hero.

The bookies’ Alex Apati said: “Jamie Dornan has been there or thereabout among the frontrunners for some time now, and the latest odds suggest he can’t be completely ruled out.”

If Dornan were to claim the role, he would not be the first Irish actor to play the British superspy. Previously, Pierce Brosnan played the character in four films from 1995 to 2002.

However, Brosnan’s tenure didn’t end well. Bond bosses – Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson – had to break the news in 2002 that he was not going to play the hero anymore. He looked back on the devastating moment they called him and told him the news.

Brosnan remembered: “I sat in Richard Harris’ house in the Bahamas, and Barbara and Michael were on the line.” They told him: “We’re so sorry.” He remembered: “She was crying. Michael was stoic.”

Wilson told the actor: “You were a great James Bond. Thank you very much.” He replied: “Thank you very much. Goodbye.” The call ended, and so too did his time as James Bond.

Brosnan recalled: “That was it. I was utterly shocked and just kicked to the kerb with the way it went down.”

Dornan is not the only actor in the running to become the new and improved James Bond, however.

At the top of the list is Henry Cavill, who has a powerful 7/2 on becoming the next star (Via Ladbrokes). The Superman actor previously auditioned for the role back in 2005, but missed out. Now, he’s back in as the favourite.

He recently beat Bridgerton hunk Regé-Jean Page to the top spot, who now has 4/1 on claiming the role.

Apati said: “Henry Cavill has leapfrogged Rege-Jean Page over the weekend and now finds himself at the head of the Bond betting after a flurry of interest from 007 punters.”

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