The role of James Bond is perhaps the most famous in the world of film, and the speculation about who the next actor will be to play 007 continues to build pace amid rumours that Daniel Craig will bow out after the next movie is released in 2012. Craig has been lucky enough to fill the role of James bond for the last two movies while he has signed on to star in a third which is about to go in production, it could be his last adventure as 007 though and Paddy Power have a lively market open on who they believe will step into the breach and take on the iconic role.

The name of Sam Worthington has been linked with James Bond for some time now and the Australian born Avatar actor is priced as the 5/2 favourite with Paddy Power to replace Daniel Craig and be announced as the next James Bond. Worthington is certainly an actor on the rise at the moment with his turn in Avatar winning rave reviews and he could have the ideal look for a modern and edgy Bond which is reflected in his price. His closest challenger for the role according to the betting is Tom Hardy who is a young actor on the rise, he was part of a massive smash recently when he starred in Inception and is English making him a front runner for the high profile role. His relative inexperience in a leading role may harm his chances but again he could have the ideal look making his price of 4/1 with Paddy Power a nice looking bet.

Punters wanting to take a bit more of a gamble on picking Daniel Craigs successor may want to take a closer look at Michael Fassbender who made his name recently in Inglorious Basterds, he is another up and coming star and although he is not English he did grown up in Northern Ireland which would stand him in good stead. Fa! ssbender may not be a household name just yet but his odds look attractive at 14/1 with Paddy Power, he looks to have the ideal profile for a potential Bond with his look and age seemingly ideal. Whoever takes over the role from Daniel Craig will have big boots to fill, Craig has proven a big success as 007 despite some initial doubts from the traditionalists and the powers that be will be hoping that can repeat that trick with their next selection.

Next James Bond Actor Betting with Paddy Power

• 5/2 Sam Worthington
• 4/1 Tom Hardy
• 8/1 Christian Bale
• 10/1 Will Smith
• 10/1 Gerard Butler
• 10/1 Clive Owen
• 12/1 Alex OLoughlin
• 12/1 Dougray Scott
• 14/1 Michael Fassbender
• 14/1 Orlando Bloom
• 14/1 Idris Elba
• 16/1 Henry Cavill
• Bar

Betting market supplied by Paddy Power.com