Aaron Taylor-Johnson leads the James Bond race as Omega watch deals spark a frenzy of bets and speculation.

The hunt for the next James Bond has taken a dramatic turn, as British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson leaps to the front of the race after a powerful clue sent betting markets into overdrive.

Bookmakers have been swamped with wagers backing the 34-year-old actor following a surge of speculation that he’s already been cast as the world’s most famous spy. The frenzy was triggered by Taylor-Johnson’s new partnership with Omega—the luxury watch brand synonymous with the 007 franchise since GoldenEye in 1995.

Coral’s John Hill confirmed the odds movement, saying: “Aaron Taylor-Johnson has jumped to the top of our next James Bond betting following a surge of bets behind him in the last 24 hours. This is the biggest wave of interest we’ve seen since we opened betting on Daniel Craig’s replacement.”

It’s not the first time the Bullet Train and Kick-Ass star has been linked to the role. But this latest clue, coupled with whispers from the film industry, has reignited belief that Eon Productions—the studio behind the Bond franchise—have already made their decision.

A source told The Sun: “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back.”

The implication is clear: Taylor-Johnson is the studio’s top choice. Insiders suggest Eon are simply waiting for him to sign before announcing their new 007 to the world.

Meanwhile, fans and punters alike have thrown their support behind the actor. His suave image, brooding screen presence, and versatile résumé have made him a strong contender in the eyes of many since Daniel Craig’s exit in No Time To Die.

However, he’s not without competition. Fellow Brit Theo James, best known for The White Lotus and Netflix’s The Gentlemen, had briefly overtaken Henry Cavill in the odds earlier this month.

Ladbrokes spokesperson Cal Gildart noted: “Henry Cavill’s return to the head of the Bond betting didn’t last long, with Theo James as short as anyone has been to pick up the world’s most famous licence to kill.”

Yet the pendulum has swung once again, and this time it may be swinging for the final time. The Omega deal, widely viewed as a nod from producers, has pushed Taylor-Johnson’s name to the very top of conversations both in Hollywood and in the bookies’ offices.

In Madrid earlier this year, Taylor-Johnson appeared at an Omega promotional event, dressed in sharp tailoring and dripping in Bond-like cool. Observers couldn’t help but connect the dots.

Daniel Craig had also partnered with Omega during his Bond tenure—fueling the theory that this was more than just a sponsorship deal. It may have been a coded signal to fans and insiders alike that Taylor-Johnson’s tux is already being tailored.

With filming for the next Bond film expected to begin in 2026, an official announcement could be imminent. Until then, the betting slips, the whispers, and the Omega watches will do the talking