Regé-Jean Page is currently making fans swoon on Netflix’s Bridgerton, but could he star as James Bond?
Variety reports that British betting firm Ladbrokes has found that Page’s chances of becoming Daniel Craig’s successor have increased.
Ladbrokes has upped Page’s chances from 40/1 to 5/1, placing him within the range of fan-favorite Tom Hardy.
“Tom Hardy still leads the way as favorite, with James Norton close behind in second place,” said Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati. “But it really is all to play for in the race for 007 and RJP has a great chance if the odds are anything to go by.” He added the caveat that Bridgerton‘s soaring popularity makes Page’s increased chances appear fleeting since Cillian Murphy was once a contender at the height of Peaky Blinders‘ popularity.
But, also stoking the fires of Page possibly becoming the next Bond stems from a Dec. 16 tweet Page wrote promoting Bridgerton. “Regency, royalty[.] Shaken and stirred,” he wrote, the latter part referencing Bond’s famous line about how he likes his drinks.
If anything, the sudden interest in Page as Bond is indicative of years-long fan and industry discussion about a Black actor taking over the role as a way to improve and modernize the franchise. Idris Elba has long since been favored by many to take the role, despite his consistent statements to the contrary. However, it does seem like fans have warmed to the idea of a Black James Bond more as the years progress.