Emma Watson tipped for Bond girl role amid Oxford studies
Emma Watson, the Oxford University student and Harry Potter star, has been tipped as a frontrunner to play the next Bond girl, with bookmakers quoting her at 2/1. Still pursuing a DPhil at Oxford after switching from a creative writing master's, the actress remains linked to the franchise as Denis Villeneuve prepares to direct the next 007 film.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Watson has been tipped as a leading contender for the next Bond girl role, with reported odds of 2/1.
- She is currently studying a DPhil at the University of Oxford after starting a master's in creative writing in September 2023.
- Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film; casting for 007 is still underway.
- Watson previously attended Oxford's Dragon School, where boarding fees now reach £17,250 per term.
Why is Emma Watson tipped to be the next Bond girl?
According to the Oxford Mail, it has been a year since the actress was linked to the Bond franchise as a potential love interest. A report in The Standard last July placed her among the frontrunners, citing odds of 2/1 and suggesting the part could mark her return to the screen.
Watson is best known for playing Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter films. Rumours have grown around who may join the next 007 as a love interest, and she has emerged among the names in contention.
What is Emma Watson studying at Oxford University?
After turning her attention to studies, Watson began a master's degree in creative writing at the University of Oxford in September 2023. In February 2025, it was announced she had switched to a DPhil, Oxford's version of a PhD. She is still studying at Oxford while the Bond speculation continues.
Before university, she attended the Dragon School and Headington School in Oxford, where she completed her GCSEs and A-levels. For readers tracking celebrity careers and education costs in our Net Worth & Wealth coverage, her Oxford path also reconnects with her private-school roots.
How much did Emma Watson's private school education cost?
Dragon School, which Watson attended, was named among the world's best private schools by Spear's magazine. For September 2026, boarders pay £17,250 per term and day pupils £11,575 per term. Prep-prep fees range from £6,560 per term in Reception to £8,640 in Year 3.
The co-ed day and boarding prep school has 815 pupils aged four to 13. Other alumni include actor Hugh Laurie and editor Christopher Tolkien. Watson later attended Headington School before her Hollywood rise and Oxford return.
Who else is in the frame for the next Bond film?
Daniel Craig last played James Bond in 2021's No Time to Die. The next Bond is set to be cast soon, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Oxford's Theo James among the favourites. Denis Villeneuve, known for Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, Prisoners, and the Dune films, has been chosen to direct.
Watson has also focused on activism in recent years. The Standard report noted she said in 2020 she was "curious to embrace a role where she works to amplify more voices, to continue to learn from those with different experiences." Whether she rejoins a major franchise remains speculation for now.