Movies
Could these baby names set them up for the silver screen?
What’s in a name? It’s an age-old question.
Social scientists have suggested that names can create a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’, where individuals want to live up to or even emulate the careers or lifestyle of those who share their name. So for expectant parents, picking a name for a child really does take some serious look out foration.
We’ve decided to try to make that decision a little bit easier, by creating a list of the most successful actors and actresses from yesteryear up to the present day.
To help parents-to-be choose a successful name for their child, WhatAreTheOdds.co.uk, analysed publicly available data such as actors/actresses who have starred in blockbuster hits, as well as running through award winners from BAFTAs, Oscars and Golden Globe awards, amongst others. There are a variety of betting markets to take advantage of – here’s how to get bet365 free bets on the markets.
Have you chosen a name for your future superstar? Take a look at our list:
Boys:
- Daniel
- Adam
- Hugh
- Michael
- Mark
- Chris
- Tom
- Ryan
- James
- Ben
Girls:
- Catherine/Katherine
- Ellen
- Thelma
- Emma
- Jodie
- Amy
- Jade
- Natalie
- Emily
- Elizabeth/Elisabeth
In regard to the males, names like Chris and Mark are shared by several Blockbuster actors such as everyone’s favourite superheroes Chris Pratt, Chris Pine, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth. As for the Marks, there’s another superhero in Mark Ruffalo, action star Mark Wahlberg and Jedi Master Mark Hamill.
For the females, notable Emmas include young wizard Watson, Emma Thompson, and Stone.
With the most notable variation of top name being Katharine Hepburn who won four Oscars, two BAFTA awards, one Emmy award and was nominated for 12 Oscars, five BAFTAs, eight Golden Globes, one Grammy, six Emmys and two Tony awards.
Spencer James, founder of WhatAreTheOdds.co.uk, said,
“Getting into acting and being successful in the Arts is a massive achievement and a worthy career. It’s not just about the money if you make it to the big time however, story-telling through the medium of film or TV can be inspiring and comforting to millions of people around the world.
“We created this list as a nod to 2020’s award season but really as a parent, if you could give your child the opportunity to make a difference to others, as well as the potential for them to earn a lot of money, you’d definitely look out for it! I’m not surprised that mums and dads might look to film stars for inspiration when naming their children, media can play such a big part in our lives that there’s no wonder people would tap into it.
“Who knows why there’s such a common theme with certain names, but the data does show that people with these names seem to enjoy a great deal of success! There seems to be a lot more to a name than we initially thought, and if it can give people a head start, it might be something worth look out foring for expectant parents.”
Fresh interest surrounds Callum Turner and Henry Cavill, while Hollywood outsiders distance themselves from 007 rumours.
The race to become the next James Bond is heating up once again — and with producers still keeping tight-lipped about Daniel Craig’s successor, the betting markets have become a frenzy of speculation.
Currently, Aaron Taylor-Johnson leads the odds at 5/4, giving him a 44.4% chance of landing the iconic 007 role. Known for roles in Kick-Ass and Bullet Train, Taylor-Johnson is said to have met with producers and remains the strongest contender in the eyes of bookmakers.
Hot on his heels is rising British actor Callum Turner, now 2/1 (33.3%), whose performance in Masters of the Air has sparked serious buzz.
Henry Cavill, long tipped for the role and still a fan favourite, is priced at 10/3 (23.1%), keeping him firmly in the top three.
Former frontrunners like Idris Elba and James Norton have seen their odds drift after distancing themselves from the role.
Twisters star Glen Powell put Bond rumours to bed with a wry quip to The Hollywood Reporter: “I’m a Texan.”
“Aaron Taylor-Johnson continues to dominate the market, but Callum Turner’s momentum is real. With the official announcement still pending, there’s room for late drama,” said Dave James, odds analyst at Whataretheodds.co.uk. “Cavill has the pedigree and public support, and if producers want a big name, he’s still firmly in the mix.”
| Actor | Odds | Probability (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Taylor-Johnson | 5/4 | 44.4% |
| Callum Turner | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Henry Cavill | 10/3 | 23.1% |
Ne Zha 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash lead the box office race, but surprise contenders are lurking.
With a packed release calendar in 2025, the global box office battle is heating up — and Ne Zha 2 has emerged as the early frontrunner to be the highest-grossing film of the year.
Priced at 8/15, the much-anticipated Chinese animated sequel has been given a 65% implied probability of topping the global chart.
Hot on its heels is James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, the next instalment in the iconic sci-fi franchise, sitting at 7/4 (36.4%).
The film is expected to dominate international markets, particularly in North America and Europe, and could easily overtake the favourite with strong holiday season momentum.
Disney’s Zootopia 2 follows at 12/1 (7.7%), riding on the popularity of the original and renewed interest in animated family features.
Marvel fans are watching The Fantastic Four: First Steps closely — the franchise reboot enters the market at 14/1 (6.7%) and could surge with positive critical reception.
“It’s no surprise to see Ne Zha 2 dominating early forecasts — the original broke records across Asia. But with Avatar’s global pedigree and Marvel’s return to form, we’re set for a fierce box office race,” said Dave James, odds analyst at Whataretheodds.co.uk. “Keep an eye on Zootopia 2 — it’s a sleeper hit in the making.”
“While Superman is further down the betting at 18/1, it can’t be ruled out. The character’s global recognition, combined with a fresh cinematic reboot, gives it real sleeper potential — especially if fan reception and early reviews are strong.”
| Film Title | Odds | Probability (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Ne Zha 2 | 8/15 | 65.2% |
| Avatar: Fire and Ash | 7/4 | 36.4% |
| Zootopia 2 | 12/1 | 7.7% |
| The Fantastic Four: First Steps | 14/1 | 6.7% |
| Wicked: For Good | 16/1 | 5.9% |
| Superman | 18/1 | 5.3% |
| Jurassic World: Rebirth | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Speculation is growing over who could take on the role of Ozzy Osbourne in a future biopic, with fans debating whether an Oscar-winning actor or a rising rock star would best capture the legendary frontman’s wild story writes Dave James.
Known as “The Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne’s life has spanned decades of chaos, fame, and reinvention, from his groundbreaking years with Black Sabbath to his unexpected second act as a reality TV icon.
His journey of excess, redemption, and resilience seems tailor-made for the big screen, and talk of a potential film has already sparked whispers of early awards buzz.
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Osbourne’s life has spanned decades of chaos, fame, and reinvention, from his groundbreaking years with Black Sabbath to his unexpected second act as a reality TV icon. His journey of excess, redemption, and resilience seems tailor made for the big screen, and talk of a potential film has already sparked whispers of early awards buzz.
Following confirmation from Polygram Entertainment that Sony will move forward with the film despite Ozzy’s passing last month, odds are beign offered odds on the actor who could take on the career defining part.
While Osbourne himself had previously expressed a desire for an “unknown” actor to portray him, that hasn’t stopped a mix of established stars and rising names from entering the market.
Yungblud is currently the frontrunner at 6/4, giving him an implied 40% chance of landing the role. He’s followed closely by Skins and ’71 star Jack O’Connell at 2/1 (33.3%), while Fred Hechinger and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are both 3/1 (25%).
“Casting Ozzy Osbourne will be no small task. You need chaos, charm, vulnerability, and pure rock energy,” said Dave James, odds analyst at Whataretheodds.co.uk. “Yungblud might seem like a wild card, but he ticks a lot of boxes.
He already lives and breathes the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, and he has the energy, look, and attitude to channel a young Ozzy. While he’s not a trained actor in the traditional sense, sometimes authenticity trumps experience and casting someone from the same world Ozzy came from could create something really powerful on screen..”
“Jack O’Connell has already shown he can portray intensity and vulnerability in films like ’71 and Starred Up, two roles that demanded emotional depth and raw energy.
That combination makes him a compelling candidate to play Ozzy. He’s gritty, believable, and has the kind of presence needed to take on such an iconic and chaotic figure.”
“Fred Hechinger is a fascinating contender ,he’s quietly built a reputation through standout roles in The White Lotus and The Fear Street Trilogy.
He brings an unpredictable intensity to the screen, and there’s a vulnerability in his performances that could align well with the emotional complexity of Ozzy’s story.
He’s not the obvious pick, but that could work in his favour.”
Further down the list are Timothée Chalamet (4/1), Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton (5/1), and X-Men actor Caleb Landry Jones (5/1), while Welsh actor Iwan Rheon and The Umbrella Academy’s Robert Sheehan are priced at 6/1,. both with a 14.3% shot of playing the Prince of Darkness.
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