British bookmaker William Hill has dramatically lowered the odds of Sam Riley (Maleficent) being cast as the new James Bond following an unusually large bet, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.
The punter is said to have placed a bet on the actor, appearing next as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, that would win them thousands of pounds if he is cast in the role of Ian Fleming’s iconic spy.
A William Hill spokesperson said that the punter was only allowed to place two thirds of the bet they initially intended, with the bookie fearing insider knowledge.
Riley’s odds were immediately slashed from 50/1 to 12/1 following this shock wager.
In the wake of the hugely successful release of the latest James Bond film Spectre, speculation continues to mount around Daniel Craig’s future in the lead role.
Performers as varied as Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation), Tom Hardy (Legend) and Damian Lewis (Homeland) have been talked about as potential successors to Craig.
Spectre is out now in the UK and on November 6th in the States.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=W04aXcyQ0NQ
Originally published November 2, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
