Could This Hollywood Star Be the Next Unlikely James Bond Villain?

The speculation surrounding the next James Bond villain is intensifying as several high-profile actors, including Margot Robbie and Jessie Buckley, emerge as frontrunners for the role. With a new era for the Bond franchise on the horizon, the potential for a female antagonist alongside a diverse cast reflects a significant shift in the series' traditional formula.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the James Bond franchise gears up for its next chapter post-Daniel Craig, conversations have shifted from the iconic spy himself to the villains that will challenge him. In a notable turn, Margot Robbie has emerged as a leading contender to become the next Bond villain, a role typically dominated by male actors. This potential casting decision could redefine the franchise's antagonist archetype, showcasing a more diverse range of characters.

Key takeaways

Margot Robbie is currently the favourite to play the next Bond villain, shaking up traditional gender roles in the series.
Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman are also strong contenders for the female antagonist role.
Stellan Skarsgård leads the male villain odds, joined by notable names like Cillian Murphy and Willem Dafoe.

Timeline: how we got here

The speculation around the next Bond villain is part of a broader narrative following Daniel Craig's departure. Below is a brief timeline of significant events in the franchise leading up to this moment:

2021 (October) - Daniel Craig exits the role of James Bond after "No Time to Die."
2022 (March) - Amazon acquires MGM Studios, gaining control of the Bond franchise.
2022 (June) - Denis Villeneuve is announced as the director of the next Bond film.
2023 (October) - Speculation rises around potential actors for the next Bond villain.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest discussions highlight Margot Robbie's leading position as a potential Bond villain, with betting odds placing her at 13/8. Additionally, Jessie Buckley and Stellan Skarsgård are also gaining attention for their chances in these roles.

What was already established

The Bond franchise has a long history of memorable villains, traditionally played by male actors. The possible inclusion of a female antagonist represents a notable departure from established norms, aiming to introduce a fresh dynamic to the series.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Bond films are not just cinematic ventures; they generate significant economic activity, from box office sales to tourism linked to filming locations. A new film featuring a female villain could attract new audiences and invigorate interest in the franchise, potentially impacting local economies.

Businesses and jobs

As the production gears up, there will be an associated boost in jobs related to film production, including crew positions, local services, and businesses in the vicinity of filming locations. The engagement of high-profile actors can also enhance brand partnerships and marketing opportunities.

Policy and regulation

With Amazon now at the helm, any changes in production practices or distribution strategies may affect how the Bond films are marketed and released. Upcoming consultations might influence regulations surrounding film production in the UK.

Numbers that matter

13/8 - Current odds for Margot Robbie as the next female Bond villain.
15/8 - Jessie Buckley's odds, placing her just behind Robbie.
2/1 - Olivia Colman's betting odds for the same role.
5/4 - Stellan Skarsgård's odds for the male villain role.
11/8 - Jacob Elordi's odds as a potential male villain.

Definitions and jargon buster

Bond Girl: A female character who is typically a romantic interest or ally of James Bond in the films.
Bond Villain: The antagonist or adversary in a Bond film, often characterised by elaborate schemes and a personal vendetta against Bond.
Odds: The likelihood of a particular outcome happening, often used in betting contexts.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect more casting announcements and potential formal confirmations as production gears up. Betting odds may fluctuate as new information becomes available.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, the casting process will likely solidify, and production could commence as hinted by industry insiders. The unveiling of the full cast will generate substantial media interest.

Signals to watch

Updates on production schedules from industry insiders.
Casting announcements via official channels or press releases.
Changes in betting odds as new contenders emerge or favourites drop out.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on entertainment news for the latest casting updates.
Engage with fan communities to discuss potential plotlines and character development.
Consider the implications of a female villain in the context of evolving film narratives.

Don’t

Dismiss the possibility of a female antagonist changing the Bond franchise's dynamics.
Overlook the importance of casting choices on audience reception.
Ignore the broader cultural conversations surrounding gender representation in film.

Checklist

Monitor official announcements regarding the next Bond film.
Research past Bond villains for context on character development.
Follow betting odds for insights on potential casting outcomes.
Engage with Bond fandom discussions on social media platforms.
Consider how changing villain dynamics could influence film narratives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The speculation around casting remains fluid, with no official confirmations as of yet. The odds and predictions may change rapidly as new talent emerges or as the production team finalises decisions. Additionally, the creative direction under new ownership could affect the overall tone and style of the upcoming film.

Bottom line

The next Bond film is poised to be a significant evolution for the franchise, particularly with the possibility of a female villain. As new casting decisions unfold, audiences can anticipate a fresh take on familiar themes, marking a new chapter in the iconic series.

FAQs

Who is the frontrunner for the next James Bond villain?

Margot Robbie is currently the favourite to play the next Bond villain, indicating a potential shift in the series' traditional antagonist role.

What are the odds for other potential Bond villains?

Jessie Buckley and Stellan Skarsgård are also strong contenders, with Buckley's odds at 15/8, while Skarsgård is at 5/4 for the male villain role.

When is the next Bond film expected to start production?

Production is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2024, according to industry insiders.