Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has emerged as one of the bookies’ favourites to play the female lead in the next Bond film.
As speculation mounts over who will step into Daniel Craig’s shoes as the next James Bond, attention is also turning to who will play his love interest.
The female lead in a James Bond movie has been a coveted role in British cinema for decades, and there has been plenty of speculation about who might follow in the footsteps of the likes of Eva Green, Gemma Arterton, Halle Berry, Britt Ekland, and Ursula Andress.
Best known for her starring roles as Claire Devlin in Channel 4′s hit series Derry Girls, and Penelope Fetherington in Netflix’s Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan has emerged as a top contender for the role.
She is currently trailing behind Sydney Sweeney, who is best known for appearing in the likes of HBO drama series Euphoria and The White Lotus, as well as The Handmaid’s Tale.
Gambling.com expert, James Sweeney, says the American actress is looking at 6/4 odds.
James said: “Sydney Sweeney has been in contention for a while, but the star’s price has now been cut by the bookies to 6/4.
“She has been racking up the film credits in recent years, including Marvel movie Madame Web and romantic-comedy Anyone but You, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if she added the next Bond movie to her ever-growing career.”
But he added: “Coughlan is also no stranger to the big screen having appeared in last year’s Barbie movie, and she would be a shrewd signing by Bond bosses. The star is 7/4 to add a Bond film to her film credits.”
Other top contenders for the role include Jodie Comer, best known for playing Villanelle in spy thriller series Killing Eve.
Kaya Scodelario, who rose to prominence after starring in E4′s Skins, is also a top contender, followed by pop star and actress Michelle Keegan.
Someone whose odds have gone in the opposite direction is pop megastar Dua Lipa, added James.
He said: “In January, she was 14/1 to be the next Bond Girl, but the Training Season hitmaker is now into 4/1 sixth favourite for the role, and Bond bosses might even get a two-for-one deal if they recruit her - because she could also perform the theme tune.”
