“Bridgerton” star Regé-Jean Page is still the favorite to take over from Daniel Craig as James Bond, say 007 insiders — but also in the running are Henry Cavill and “1917” actor George MacKay.
Breakout Netflix star Page is actively being talked about amongst Bond producers after Craig, 53, bows out as Bond in his last film, “No Time To Die.” The release of the movie has been delayed three times by the pandemic.
A 007 source said Page, 31, is being actively talked about amongst Bond producers, but so is “Man of Steel” star Cavill, 38, who reportedly auditioned for “Casino Royale,” and McKay, 29.
A source said, “They are talking about Regé, but Bond producers are not making any decisions until after ‘No Time to Die’ is released. They are focusing on Daniel Craig’s big finale.
“But Henry Cavill also is still in the running, he’s a lot more famous now than when his name first came up.”
![Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page and George MacKay are all in the running to be the next James Bond.](https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/08/007-1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all)
The source added, “One other name is George MacKay. One of the producers of ‘1917’ has come over to Bond and is suggesting George. There is some talk about rebooting the Bond franchise after Daniel Craig with someone younger, and he could fit the bill.”
“No Time To Die” will be released in the UK on Sept. 30 and the US on Oct. 8.
Earlier this month UK reports said Page was the official favorite to replace Craig after his 15-year, five-movie, run.
Alex Apati of British bookmaker Ladbrokes said, “It’s looking increasingly likely Bond chiefs have made their minds up in the hunt for Daniel Craig’s replacement, with Regé-Jean Page now the clear favorite in the betting.”
Page is sitting ahead of “Mad Max” star Tom Hardy in the odds. Other names suggested by the bookmaker include Cavill, “Little Women” star James Norton, Luke Evans and Idris Elba.
Reps for Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson didn’t immediately get back to us.
Page, for his part, isn’t taking the Bond speculation too seriously. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the 31-year-old said: “It gets clicks. It’s got nothing to do with me — nothing to do with anything that has happened in any rooms or any meetings.”
He added, “It’s literally just a thing for people to talk about. So it’s flattering, but it’s just a game.”