Who Will Play the Next Pope? Breaking Down the Odds

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After HBO’s The New Pope, the Oscar-nominated Two Popes, and (of course) Conclave, audiences are buzzing about who could next don the white cassock in a prestige drama or stylized satire.

With bettors looking at the next Pope odds markets, the Action Network has compiled a list of actors who could be in line for some on-screen papal portrayal.

Here’s a breakdown of the betting odds for who’s most likely to play the next on-screen Pope — whether in a serious biopic, surreal miniseries, or dark Vatican thriller.

🏆 The Favorite: Pedro Pascal (+200)

Is there anything Pedro Pascal can’t do? The star of The Last of Us, The Mandalorian, and Game of Thrones is the frontrunner at +200 (33.3% implied probability) to take on the papacy next.

Why? Range. Pascal can bring equal parts spiritual depth and meme-worthy charisma, making him a perfect fit for a modern, media-savvy Pope in the style of Jude Law’s Pius XIII. If a studio wants viewers to thirst-follow the Vatican, he’s the guy.

ActorDecimalFractionalAmerican OddsImplied Probability
Pedro Pascal3.02/1+20033.30%
Oscar Isaac5.04/1+40020.00%
Mark Rylance6.05/1+50016.70%
Tom Hiddleston7.06/1+60014.30%
Chiwetel Ejiofor8.07/1+70012.50%
Michael Fassbender9.08/1+80011.10%
Mads Mikkelsen11.010/1+10009.10%
Liam Neeson13.012/1+12007.70%
Ciarán Hinds15.014/1+14006.70%
Ben Kingsley17.016/1+16005.90%

🕯️ Serious Contenders

Oscar Isaac (+400)

Isaac has been a fan-cast for just about every intelligent, morally complex male lead in the past five years. He brings gravitas without stiffness, and at +400 he’s a strong second choice to headline a stylish, conflicted papal character.

Mark Rylance (+500)

If you want the slow-burn, cerebral Pope who stares out windows and contemplates mortality, Rylance is your man. A prestige pick for a theological slow drama — think The Crown, but with more incense.

🌀 Dark Horses

Tom Hiddleston (+600)

At +600, Hiddleston would absolutely slay as a mysterious, morally ambiguous Pope. If HBO wants to crank up the surrealism from The Young Pope, his Loki-like presence could deliver.

Chiwetel Ejiofor (+700)

Ejiofor is a compelling pick. Expect his odds to tighten if any studio hints at modernizing the papal archetype.

Michael Fassbender (+800)

Fassbender’s intensity suits a radical, rule-breaking Vatican story—think House of Cards meets Angels & Demons.

🔥 Vatican Noir, Anyone?

Mads Mikkelsen (+1000)

He’s played Hannibal Lecter, a tortured priest, and a Bond villain, so why not a Machiavellian Pope? At +1000, Mikkelsen is your long shot for a cerebral, possibly terrifying Pontiff in a European co-production.

💤 Veteran Value Picks

Liam Neeson (+1200)

Gravitas? Check. Religious roles? Check. Neeson brings weight, but at +1200 the market says he might be too far-fetched unless someone’s shooting Taken 4: Vatican Vengeance.

Ciarán Hinds (+1400) & Ben Kingsley (+1600)

These are your classic “establishment Pope” choices — great for a period piece or biopic. Less buzz, but a high floor. If you're betting on a studio leaning safe, this is your long-value play.

The odds are created for entertainment purposes only. Gambling enthusiasts interested in checking out prediction markets should take a look at this Kalshi referral code offer.

About the Author
Ben Mendelowitz is a major sports fan who creates Digital PR content for Action Network.

Follow Ben Mendelowitz @ben_mendelowitz on Twitter/X.

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