Leicestershire’s Tom Hopper has recently dealt with a blow for James Bond role from one of his former co-stars – former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith. The surprise new name has appeared in the odds after what was described as a ‘major shift’ in the race to be 007.
Tom Hopper’s James Bond role in jeopardy
Hopper, who was born in Coalville, has been among the top picks for nearly a year to succeed Daniel Craig, even being tipped at one point as the hot favourite for the role. However, the Umbrella Academy star has now slipped down the ranking after being overtaken by Matt Smith, reports the Express.
Bond bosses have remained tight-lipped for some time over the casting of the iconic role, with speculation continuing to mount. Latest odds would suggest that Hopper’s chances may now be slipping due to this new name entering the fray.
Smith can currently be seen as Daemon Targaryen in Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. Best known as the Eleventh Doctor in the long-running BBC show, Smith has odds of 20-1 according to bookmaker William Hill – halving his previous odds of 40-1 in a matter of days.
For Tom, who starred alongside Matt in his debut episode as TV’s favourite Time Lord in 2011, his odds have fallen to 25-1 – having previously been a 3-1 favourite. The pair remain far off the current favourite, Rege-Jean Page (4-1), but bookmakers believe Matt Smith is one to watch.
A spokesman for William Hill said:
“The recent success of House of Dragon was bound to shake up the Bond market, but Matt Smith seeing his odds half for the role is clearly a major shift – one that’s worth paying attention to given the keen fan backing. He’s of the right age to take on the role, and has proven he’s a diverse and talented actor – and he’s no stranger to taking on an iconic British character, either.”
