The highly sought after role of James Bond is a three horse race according to a bookmaker, who predict it's between Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Jack Barton.

The three actors have all been hotly tipped to be named as the new 007, after casting got underway for the next film in the iconic action franchise.

Last week, Barton's name was added into the mix, as speculation over which actor will be offered the coveted role continues to grow.

According to bookies William Hill, Barton entered betting to become the next Bond at 9/2, becoming third favourite to replace Daniel Craig.

Turner remains the market leader, although he has drifted to 5/4, while Lowden is now available at 7/4.

Spokesperson for the company, Lee Phelps, said: 'Jack Barton has certainly shaken up our next James Bond market, going straight in at 9/2 and immediately becoming third favourite for the role of the world's most famous secret agent.

'Callum Turner remains at the head of the betting at 5/4, but with Jack Lowden just behind at 7/4 and Barton now firmly in the mix, there's plenty of competition for the role.

'At 9/2, Barton is now considered more than twice as likely to become the next Bond than names such as Henry Cavill and former favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who are both out at 10/1.'

Aaron Taylor-Johnson pushed further down the betting and now priced at 10/1. Henry Cavill is also available at 10/1, with the rest of the field currently 12/1 or bigger.

It was reported last week, two of the biggest streaming giants Apple and Amazon – are warring over Lowden appearing on their screens.

Sources say it is impossible for the Essex-born actor, 36, who plays MI5 agent River Cartwright in Apple series Slow Horses, to also play Bond.

This has prompted a fierce rearguard action from Apple to ensure it keeps him for the next showing.

But Lowden is highly rated by Amazon bosses selecting the new suave spy.

One insider told The Mail on Sunday: 'It is literally impossible for an actor to play two British spies almost simultaneously. You can't have two franchises and two spies but just one face.

'Jack is very much in the conversation and there are people who think he would make a fantastic Bond. But the elephant in the room is Slow Horses. Amazon wants its Bond but Apple already has its spy.

'There are some huge egos at Apple and Amazon and they do not like to lose out to one another, so the battle is on.'

Lowden, who is married to actress Saoirse Ronan, plays ambitious Cartwright opposite Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb in Apple's successful espionage drama. Based on Mick Herron's books, future series would almost certainly clash with the new Bond movie.

It was reported by Page Six that screen tests are due to begin in the next few days, with Barton's name apparently among the shortlist.

So far he has notably appeared in teen Netflix drama Heartstopper and the BBC SAS: Rogue Heroes in 2025, as well as a selection of minor roles. Casting directors are said to be backing Barton for the role.

Debbie McWilliams, who picked previous Bonds Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig for the role, previously said a newcomer should be cast.

She told the Independent in June: 'I don't want to see any of [the rumoured stars] as Bond because we now know so much about them.

'We want to know as little about them personally as possible, because that's what spies are. We don't need to know where he goes shopping or who his parents are, or where he lives.

'We never want to see him at home. And a vital element of the whole thing is his job description. He's licensed to kill, and we have to believe that he can do that. If you don't, then you've lost the audience.'

Other current favourites include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Harris Dickinson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi and Henry Cavill.

Theo James recently ruled himself out of taking the role and insisted he is 'too old' to play the secret agent.