Jonathan Bailey drops major Bond hint with latest collaboration as he unwinds on the Mediterranean - after emerging as hot favourite for vacant 007 role
With a Martini in hand and the Mediterranean serving as an appropriately cinematic backdrop, one could be forgiven for thinking Jonathan Bailey had already answered one of the biggest casting calls in Hollywood.
Sadly for James Bond fans, the iconic role remains open to offers some four years after Daniel Craig ditched the tuxedo, hung up the Walther PP and handed over the keys to his beloved Aston Martin.
And with Amazon having bought the rights to Britain's longest running film franchise - the next film will be its 26th - the debate around who will seize the baton and become Bond number seven remains hotter than ever.
To date, the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page, Richard Madden and Idris Elba have been touted as potential candidates for the role - but it was another contender who stood out on the Italian Riviera this week.
Joining forces with MARTINI - Bond's tipple of choice - for a new promotional campaign, Bailey emanated the iconic character's debonair sophistication while posing for an accompanying series of photos.
Bailey and the iconic Italian aperitivo brand are calling on audiences to break from routine and try a different path in a new campaign for MARTINI Spritz.
Together, they're inspiring people to go 'Off Script' this summer, by swapping predictable plans for spontaneous moments, and raising a spritz glass to life's 'simple unplanned joys'.
Filmed in southern Italy - a favourite spot he returns to every year - Bailey left his carefully scripted characters and cult on-screen roles behind to embrace a summer of spontaneity, effortless Italian style - and plenty of MARTINI spritzes.
'Going off script is the ultimate way to allow space for fun, and new experiences,' he said in an accompanying press release. 'Unplanned moments end up being the most unforgettable.
'This summer, I invite everyone to take a breath, dive in, swerve off piste and be playful. Live a little differently… with a MARTINI Spritz in hand, of course.'
Fans have been patiently waiting to find out when the new James Bond film will be announced after Daniel Craig left 007 facing an uncertain future in his final offering, the 2021 blockbuster No Time To Die.
Amazon recently took over 'creative control' of the much-loved franchise and are said to be fast-tracking the new film, with Hollywood producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal hired to usher in a new era.
Bookmaker William Hill sees Aaron Taylor-Johnson the most likely to take over at odds of 11/8, while Theo James sits at 7/2.
Filmed in southern Italy - a favourite spot he returns to every year - Bailey left his carefully scripted characters and cult on-screen roles behind to embrace a summer of spontaneity
Right behind Aaron Pierre and Henry Cavill is Happy Valley actor James Norton, and chasing his tail is Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden.
Earlier this month, betting companies released their odds for the next James Bond villain - with one unexpected household name topping the list.
The favourite was then none other than Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, who sits at the top of OLBG's odds at 9/2.
The Irish actor - best known for playing Thomas Shelby in the hit BBC show - had previously been touted for the part of Bond but played down speculation, telling Deadline: 'I think I'm a bit old for that.'
Also in the running to play the Bond bad guy are American actor Paul Giamatti (11/2), The Boogeyman star David Dastmalchian (13/2), and unlikely contender Zendaya (7/1).
Pierre's odds put him at the same likelihood as longtime Bond front runner Henry Cavill (seen in June)
Despite 'usually playing the good guy' in her previous roles, the female actress told Elle in 2023 that she's ready to enter her villainous era.
'I would love to play a villain of sorts,' the 28-year-old said.
'Tap into the evil, supervillain vibes. Whatever that manifests in, I don't think necessarily in a superhero sense, I just mean in like an emotional sense.
'I feel like I usually play the good guy, so I'd like to play the bad guy.'
Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027.
Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun.
An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes.
'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.
'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.'
The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.
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He also now has an answer to that year 8 pupil's question. 'My favourite is Blueberrinni Octopussini,' he says, 'which is an octopus fused with a blueberry.' Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
