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Guy Ritchie is 'bookies favourite' to direct the next Bond film

Sherlock helmsman and a random selection of names get themselves odds

Bookmaker William Hill has named Guy Ritchie as the favourite to direct the next Bond film, following the news that 'Skyfall' helmsman Sam Mendes has ruled himself out.

The director of 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and the recent 'Sherlock Holmes' films is being given odds of 4-1.

[Related story: Mendes turns down big money offer to direct Bond 24]



“The Sherlock Holmes films have been an enormous success and we believe that Guy Ritchie is the man to be entrusted with the Bond franchise, although Bond by Quentin Tarantino would make interesting viewing,” said a spokesperson for the betting firm.

Next most likely to take on the mantle from Mendes is Martin Campbell, a more realistic option given his past Bond form having helmed both 'Casino Royale' and 'GoldenEye'.

The remaining directors on the list appear to have been picked at random.

Martin Scorsese gets 9-1, Spielberg is placed at 10-1, Ang Lee at 20-1, Ridley Scott at 25-1, James Cameron at 25-1, Clint Eastwood at 33-1, Quentin Tarantino at 33-1 and Tim Burton at 50-1.

Mendes recently bowed out of the running, despite being made a 'very generous offer' the job by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, citing commitments to his stage projects, which include a production of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.