Avatar star as new James Bond?

Avatar star Sam Worthington is the hot favourite to play the next James Bond as production on the 23rd film is halted.

According to bookmaker William Hill, Worthington should be the next Bond if Craig does not return to play his third Bond role, reports the BBC.

Worthington is listed as the 5/2 favourite to take on the role of Ian Fleming's iconic spy.

British actor Christian Bale and American Will Smith come second equal at 7/1.

However, Craig is expected to return as Bond for another movie.

'Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM, we have suspended development on Bond 23 indefinitely,' Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said.

Mark Batey of the Film Distributors' Association said the Bond films were 'the backbone of British cinema.'

'The prospect of not having a picture in next year's schedule obviously does raise eyebrows,' he said.

Photograph: Andrew Winning/Reuters