Bookies take bets on Craig's 007 replacement

William Hill has started to take bets on Daniel Craig's James Bond replacement following news that the 23rd 007 movie has been postponed indefinitely.

Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced yesterday that they have ceased work on the untitled action film until financially stricken studio MGM resolves its future.

The move has prompted speculation that Craig, who portrayed the MI6 spy in Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace, could leave the role. A similar enforced delay in Bond films, between 1989's License To Kill and 1995's GoldenEye, prompted Timothy Dalton to quit the part and be replaced by Pierce Brosnan.

Bookmakers William Hill have installed Avatar's Sam Worthington as the 5/2 favourite to land the role, with Will Smith and Christian Bale both 7/1 to be the next actor to portray the secret agent. Ewan McGregor (25/1), Jude Law, Robert Pattinson (both 33/1) and Tom Cruise (50/1) also have odds listed.

Worthington previously auditioned for Casino Royale but lost out on the role to Craig.

Will Smith, as a Scottish naval commander?