THE WHITE Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger has emerged as a surprise contender for the James Bond role – in a surprising twist that will leave 007 fans furious.
Coral bookmakers have reported a wave of support for the actor, who is the son of icon .
They have slashed his odds from 25-1 to just 6-1 following a surge of bets he'll take over from .
His growing popularity in the race for 007 comes after his recent role in the hit HBO series as Saxon Ratliff.
John Hill said: “Patrick Schwarzenegger has jumped into the mix, according to our odds.
“The son of the legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has been well-backed after starring on the latest season of White Lotus.”;;
The news is likely to stir controversy among Bond fans, as the franchise has historically favoured British actors for the role.
Despite his sudden surge, Theo James remains the frontrunner with odds of 2-1, followed closely by at 3-1 and at 7-2.
Mike Dickman and Josh O’Connor are both priced at 5-1, while Patrick sits alongside James Nelson-Joyce and Callum Turner at 6-1.
Other notable names in the running include Henry Cavill and Jack Lowden at 8-1, with a distant outsider at 33-1.
Recently, Bond franchise expert Mark O'Connell told how he believed fans will know the next suave spy's identity by the summer.
Appearing on NickFerrari's LBCradioshow, he said he wanted Bond to remain British and favoured a non A-list name.
He said: “Henry Cavill could be back in the running now. Amazon's choice could be different to the Broccolis. , a new guy called Harris Dickinson, keep an eye on him.”
Days ago it was confirmed that Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to “woke”;; Hollywood streaming site Amazon.
Before giving up ownership of the popular film franchise, 007’s stewards insisted the spy would retain his nationality and gender.
Ms Broccoli, who took over the Bond brand from company Eon Productions alongside Mr Wilson in 1995, made the arrangement before she agreed to sell the rights to Amazon in a £770million deal.
Insiders have hit back at fears the streaming giant – owned by Jeff Bezos – will turn Bond “woke”;;.
An insider told the Mail on Sunday: “Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”;;
Half-siblingsand Michael G Wilson, 83, took over the Bond franchise from their father and stepfather Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli – who bought the film rights from Bond creatorin 1961.
Since then there have been 25 movies – where Bond defeats villains bent on destruction, all while drinking martinis and seducing women
