When you think of Cillian Murphy, you probably picture him in a sharp suit, cigarette in hand, staring down his enemies as Peaky Blinders’ Thomas Shelby.
But now, it looks like the Irish actor might be trading Birmingham for Bond—and not as the suave spy, but as his next big nemesis.
The New Favorite for Bond’s Arch-Enemy Role
The buzz in the film world right now? Cillian Murphy is currently the front-runner to play the next James Bond villain.
Bookmakers have him at 9/2 odds, which places him right at the top of the list.
The 49-year-old, who recently stunned audiences with his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer, had once admitted he felt too old to play Bond himself—but no one said anything about playing the villain.
And honestly? He’s got the right mix of intensity and mystery to pull it off.
Why Murphy Makes Sense for the Role
Jake Ashton, a betting expert, summed it up well: “The villain role in Bond movies is just as iconic as Bond himself.”
He pointed out that Cillian is at the peak of his career, respected by top directors, and capable of bringing depth and menace to whatever character he plays.
Given his track record, fans can expect a performance that’s both chilling and captivating.
Other Contenders Eyeing the Villain Role
Murphy isn’t the only name being tossed around.
Paul Giamatti, David Dastmalchian (of The Boogeyman), and even Zendaya have all entered the odds race.
Zendaya, in particular, raised eyebrows when she said she’s ready to explore her “villain era.”
In a 2023 Elle interview, the 28-year-old star admitted she’s eager to dive into something darker, adding, “I would love to play a villain of sorts… tap into the evil, supervillain vibes.”
Bond Villains of the Past Set the Bar High
Let’s not forget—Bond villains are often just as memorable as 007 himself.
The last outing, No Time To Die, gave us Rami Malek’s cold and calculating Lyutsifer Safin.
Before that, Christoph Waltz and Javier Bardem both delivered standout performances in Spectre and Skyfall respectively.
So whoever gets this new role has some big shoes to fill.
What We Know About the Next Bond Film
With Daniel Craig’s Bond dying at the end of No Time To Die, speculation has been swirling about what’s next for the franchise.
According to inside sources, the next movie will be a “straight-up reboot”—no time travel, no multiverse, and no retcon to explain how Bond is back.
Just a fresh start, plain and simple.
Who’s the Next Bond? The Race Continues
While the villain casting is heating up, fans are equally obsessed with who will step into the shoes of 007.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Theo James, and Jack Lowden are all in the running, with James and Cavill tied as current favorites.
Producer Barbara Broccoli reportedly had her eyes on Taylor-Johnson, but with Amazon now holding creative control, newer voices like David Heyman and Amy Pascal may want to take the franchise in a different direction.
Production and Release Timeline
As of now, no official filming date has been announced, but word has it that Amazon is scouting locations and locking down creative plans.
Experts predict the film could hit cinemas by late 2026 or 2027.
That might feel like a long wait—but with casting rumors flying and the potential for a Cillian Murphy villain moment, anticipation is only going to grow.
Could Cillian Really Be Bond’s Next Enemy?
Only time will tell. But with his signature stare and talent for playing complex, brooding characters, Murphy might just be the Bond villain fans didn’t know they needed.
And if Zendaya ends up joining him on the dark side? We might be in for the most stylishly sinister Bond film yet.