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Grantchester’s James Norton a Betting Favourite to Become the Next James Bond

2017-03-14

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Grantchester

In “Grantchester”, 31-year-old English actor James Norton portrays Sidney Chambers, a complicated, yet compassionate vicar who finds himself with an uncanny ability to help solve heinous crimes. However, if bookmakers prove to be correct, Norton may soon trade in his clergy wear, for finely crafted suits capable of hiding secret weapons.

According to a new report from British publication NME, bookmakers Coral and William Hill have given Norton 4/1 and 5/2 odds, respectively, of becoming the next Bond. Actor Daniel Craig has starred as the legendary 007 since 2006’s “Casino Royale.”

“Out of nowhere we’ve been hit with a surge of bets for Norton to be the next Bond,” explained Dan Stevens of Coral. “Even after slashing the odds to 5/2 we are still seeing money for the actor, leaving us both shaken and stirred.”

Daniel Craig

Well-respected actors like Michael Fassbender (5/2) and Tom Hardy (11/4) are also being favoured by betters for the role. Meanwhile Aidan Turner (“Poldark”), Idris Elba (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”) and Ryan Gosling (“La La Land”) are now considered to be longer shots.

Much of this speculation has had to do with Craig (the second longest serving Bond) not openly committing to playing Bond once again. One person who would definitely like to have him back, however, is the movie franchise’s Executive Producer, Callum McDougall.

“He is absolutely the first choice,” said McDougall during a 2016 chat with Radio 4. “I know they’re hoping for him to come back.”

Poldark - S1

Almost a year ago, the speculation of Turner becoming the next Bond reached a fever pitch. Now, it seems, eyes are mightily fixated on Norton.

“Part of the reason that I love ‘Grantchester’ is that it’s a show in which the hero is a man of faith,” commented Norton during an interview with the Telegraph. “He’s not a comic device or a villain. He’s just a very normal, very sympathetic young man who most people can identify with.”

By contrast then, Bond, James Bond, would be quite the change of course of for Norton. But, we think he could pull it off!

This week on “Grantchester” (Wednesday, March 15 at 10pm ET/7pm PT): When a personal tragedy threatens to overwhelm Geordie, his relationship with Sidney is pushed to the limit – will they be able to put their differences aside to help catch a killer?

-Adam Grant

Grantchester

 

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