A HUGE Irish actor has today emerged as the frontrunner to play the next James Bond villain.
Ever since Daniel Craig left the famous franchise the rumour mill has been whirring as to who will take on the iconic 007 gig – but now fans want to know who will play the next Bond baddie.
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Now, an actor who was previously in the running to play James Bond, is being tipped to now play the iconic villain role.
According to the bookies Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy is the current favourite to be named as the next 007 baddie.
He is leading the pack with odds of 9/2.
The Irish actor – best known for playing Thomas Shelby – previously said he was “too old” to play the famous spy.
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But thanks to being at the peak of his career, the Oppenheimer star could be the next Bond villian.
Bookmaker expert Jake Ashton said: “The villain role in Bond movies is just as iconic as Bond himself.
“With Cillian Murphy at the height of his powers and trusted by major directors, he’s a natural favourite.”
Meanwhile, the race for James Bond is heating up.
Stars including Aaron Taylor-JohnsonTheo James, Henry Cavill, and Tom Hardyhave all been strongly tipped to replace Daniel Craig as the Secret Service agent.
The Sun exclusively told how Aaron had been formally offered the role of the Brit spy last year.
This came after we first reported the Marvel movie star had emerged as a surprise frontrunner three years ago.
The Sun previously revealed the handsome actor was in the running for the job after secretly screen testing for Bond movie supremo Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood Studios.
A source previously told us: “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it.
“The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back.”
When asked previously whether he would step into Bond’s shoes, Aaron said: “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role.
“I take it as a great compliment.”
It’s also been 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.
Barbara, 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.”
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Half-siblings Barbara and Michael 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.
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:
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