Time to bet on red? Damian Lewis might find a new “Homeland” in the James Bond franchise.
On Monday, UK bookmaker William Hill tipped the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning ginger as a sudden favorite to succeed Daniel Craig as 007, just behind “Luther” star Idris Elba. The news comes as a surprise to Bond fans long intent on seeing Elba step into the role, but with Lewis’ odds surging to 3:1 it looks like that shaken martini could be headed his way.
William Hill told The Telegraph that the lineup shift is a shock, even to them.
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“This is an unprecedented gamble, as for no apparent reason we have seen bets of up to £200 [$312] on Damian Lewis being named as the next Bond,” spokesman Rupert Adams said. “This could well be significant and might herald the end of Daniel Craig as the world’s most famous spy.”
Other contenders include “Mad Max” breakout Tom Hardy (4:1), “Man of Steel” star Henry Cavill (5:1) and Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender (7:1).
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Lewis is best known in the States for his “Homeland” role as Marine sergeant-turned-Al Qaeda spy Nicholas Brody. More recently, he tackled Henry VIII in PBS’ “Wolf Hall,” and can next be seen opposite Paul Giamatti in Showtime’s upcoming drama “Billions.”
Despite a full plate, the potential Bond may be already prepared for the secret agent life. Lewis joked to The Telegraph back in 2013 that the Scottish references in previous Bond installment “Skyfall” worked in his favor.
“Paving the way perfectly for a red-headed Bond!” the actor laughed at the time. “I can’t believe they worked that in especially for me.”
— Erin Biglow
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