Aaron Taylor-Johnson was the subject of a huge surge in bets on Thursday as speculation about who could be the next superstar to play 007 heats up. 

The drastic change in betting habits came after the Godzilla actor, 34, dropped a major hint on Wednesday that he could be in line to play Bond in the much-anticipated movie. 

It was announced that Aaron had signed a deal with the official watch provider of the James Bond franchise Omega, leaving film-lovers in a frenzy. 

Following the news, bets placed on Taylor-Johnson to become the latest actor ‘with a license to kill’ surged by a whopping three times on Thursday compared to the previous fortnight, according to Oddschecker. 

Bookies’ odds on the 34-year-old have since been slashed with Aaron edging closer to second favourite Henry Cavill, 42. 

Fans are more eager than ever to find out who is to replace Daniel Craig, 57, as the next James Bond after the actor relinquished the role with No Time To Die

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, saw an almost 70% increase in bets placed on him for the part on Thursday

Leon Blackman, a spokesperson for Oddschecker, said: ‘Aaron Taylor-Johnson has seen a surge of betting interest for him on the Oddschecker platform on Thursday after news broke of his watch deal with Omega. 

‘67% of bets have backed him to replace Daniel Craig as 007 and he’s taken three times the number of bets on Thursday afternoon than the previous fortnight.’

Pierce Brosnan, 72, was the first special agent to don Omega during the 1995 film GoldenEye and the partnership has flourished ever since, with Craig wearing the brand’s Seamaster watch during No Time To Die.

After signing the lavish new deal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson said: ‘I have always had an appreciation for timepieces but especially for Omega.

‘Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.’

Omega’s CEO described Aaron as a ‘versatile actor with a range that covers action, thriller, romance and much more’.

It’s precisely those qualities – and his striking good looks – that have led to the actor’s strong links to the role.

Aaron has previously played it cool when asked about the possibility of him becoming Bond, telling Esquire: ‘It’s not really for me to stay anything.’

The surge came after Aaron signed a deal with Omega – the watch provider for the James Bond franchise 

After signing the lavish new deal, the actor said: ‘I have always had an appreciation for timepieces but especially for Omega’

Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, now 72, has also backed Aaron for the part, saying he would ‘make a fine Bond’

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But with his odds for the part slashed, Aaron (7/2) seems firmly in the running just behind Cavill (3/1).

The pair however are pipped at the top by the bookies’ favourite to be the next 007 – The Divergent Series star Theo James, 40, who is currently 5/2, according to Oddschecker.  

The Brit has previously impressed while playing rogue, morally ambiguous characters somewhat similar to Bond in both The White Lotus and and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen.

Theo has played down speculation linking him to the part however, telling The Guardian in 2024 that it ‘probably wouldn’t be me’.

But betting habits in recent weeks have suggested that eager fans have been growing in confidence that Theo James could star in the next movie, with 70% of all bets on the next 007 placed on The White Lotus actor.

Jack Lowden (8/1) and James Norton (10/1) remain some of the outside favourites for the part.  

It was announced earlier this year that Amazon Prime had taken over ‘creative control’ of the James Bond franchise leaving fans fearing the beloved films could be ruined by endless spin-offs.

The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control.

The current bookies’ favourite to become the next Bond is none other than The Divergent series star Theo James, 40,

Superman actor Henry Cavill, 42, had soared to the top of the odds list last week but has now been pipped by Theo

Read More Pierce Brosnan reveals which Hollywood star he is backing to be the next 007 after Daniel Craig

The company is said to be fast-tracking the new movie after spending a reported $1 billion to regain control from Barbara Broccoli.

Producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal have been hired and they are understood to be close to a deal with director Alfonso Cuaron. Then they will go about casting the next Bond.

As The Daily Mail reported, the plan is for a ‘straight up’ reboot after Daniel Craig’s 007 died in No Time To Die.

There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond.

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.

As The Daily Mail reported, the plan is for a ‘straight up’ reboot after Daniel Craig’s 007 died in No Time To Die

‘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.

MailOnline contacted Amazon for comment about the possibility of Liverpool being the setting for the next Bond.