Who is in the running to become the next James Bond? Fans go wild as franchise writers tease new announcements and Hollywood stars, such as Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill, seem to be the front-runners to take on the role.
By Giovanni Prete
Who will be the next James Bond
Even before No Time To Die was announced as Daniel Craig’s fifth and final James Bond movie, Tom Hardy has been and continues to be a bookies’ favorite. The star, known for his roles in The Venom and Mad Max, recently celebrated his 45th birthday, and while some fans may think he’s too old or even too famous to play 007 now, the sure thing is that he has some decent odds to take on the role.
Idris Elba as the first black Bond?
Ahead of Tom Hardy seems to be Idris Elba, British actor known for his leading roles in Beasts of No Nation and Pacific Rim. Elba is a critics favorite, having earned a total of five Primetime Emmy nominations and with most of his appearances having received universal critical acclaim.
The actor has been credited in some of the biggest blockbusters in recent years (Thor, The Suicide Squad, Prometheus), which prove that he’d undoubtedly be brilliant in the role of 007. The problem is that the actor has recently turned fifty, and his age is of concern to bookers.
If Elba eventually takes on the role, it will be a groundbreaking moment for Hollywood, as he will become the first Black man to portray 007. He will add a diverse twist to the role and open new pathways for Black actors in action movies.
Henry Cavill is still a super front-runner
The 39-year-old actor, known for his role in Man of Steel remains a leading contender for a role as the next James Bond. In 2005, the actor missed out on a Casino Royale role, given to Daniel Craig instead..
In 2021, Cavill he told The Sunday Times that ‘time will tell’ if he becomes the latest actor to portray the iconic role of Bond. “You don’t know which direction they want to take Bond in and so I like to say that everything’s always on the table,” he said. He also told GQ in 2020 that he “would absolutely jump at the opportunity” if it arose.
Without a doubt, Cavill has proven his charm in films such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Mission Impossible: Fallout. The only concern is that the actor seems fully booked, with roles in more upcoming Superman sequels, as well as his commitment to The Witcher.
Rege-Jean Page: From Period Dramas to James Bond?
Although Rege-Jean Page has downplayed rumors that he was in the running to be the next James Bond in the past, he’s still one of the favorites to play the role.
The British actor is most famous for playing the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton. The show has turned the actor into an instant Hollywood rising sensation. One of Page’s upcoming projects might well be a test to see if he’s got what it takes to be the next James Bond. He’s set to follow in the footsteps of the third Bond, Sir Roger Moore, and star as Simon Templar in a reboot of the British spy thriller series, The Saint.
Aidan Turner: From On Screen Dwarf to 007
Aidan Turner is another popular choice for the next James Bond. The Irish actor is known for his leading role in the BBC period Poldark, though he’s also known for his role as Kili, one of the dwarves in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy.
Turner is a few years younger than some of the other frontrunners, which could make him a popular choice as producers will likely be looking for another actor to stay with one of cinema’s longest-running franchises for several films.
Suranne Jones: Lady Bond
Rumors are speculating that the next 007 could well be female. If that proves to be the case, Suranne Jones could be the perfect fit for the role. After all, she has been bookies’ favorite to be the first female Bond in the past, and a quick look across her work explains why.
The former Coronation Street star vowed British viewers in the BBC drama Doctor Foster, for which she received critical acclaim from television critics. Her recent performance as DCI Amy Silva in the intense and twisty police drama Vigil, makes her a solid option for a female Bond.
Lashana Lynch: First Black Lady Bond
Lashana Lynch needs no introduction as she already had a chance to prove her potential as the next Bond because she is a major player in No Time To Die.
Ahead of the film’s November 2020 premiere, Lynch was revealed to be taking on the 007 designation, making her the first female and first black actor to have the iconic codename. Her character, Nomi received this honor sometimes after Bond drove off with Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) after the events of Spectre and went into retirement.
Robert Pattinson: Vampire James Bond
Robert Pattinson, mostly known for his role as the sensitive and mysterious vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight film series, recently proved with his role in Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster Tenet that he would be right at home in a Bond movie.
Pattison has proven over the years that he is an extremely versatile actor, with his roles ranging from the dramatic film The Lighthouse to his leading role in Matt Reeves’ The Batman.
His recent blockbuster appearances as well as his young age put Pattinson to the forefront to become the next 007.
Tom Hiddleston: Smiling Bond
Another A-list name who seems to fit the 007 role is Tom Hiddleston, who also went to the same school as the fictional character (though Bond was expelled from Eton College for his misdemeanors).
The star has proven his espionage potential in the BBC drama The Night Manager and his body work, which contains several box office and critical hits, makes him a bankable choice. The only concern is whether Hiddleston would want to commit to another franchise following his decade-long role in Marvel’s Loki.
Richard Madden: House of Bond
Richard Madden is thought to have been in the running for the next James Bond ever since he vowed audiences with his role as Police Sergeant David Budd in the gripping BBC drama, Bodyguard.
The Scottish actor is also known for playing Robb Stark in Game of Thrones, a just figure betrayed along with his wife in the infamous ‘Red Wedding’. He recently became a Hollywood favorite with his role in Marvel’s Eternals.
His upcoming role on Amazon studios spy thriller Citadel, will be the perfect training ground for him to prove he can well be the next James Bond.
Sam Heughan: Scottish James Bond
Scottish actor Sam Heughan is another popular choice. He is best known for portraying James Fraser in Outlander and has hinted multiple times that he’s very interested in being the next 007.
The actor has already played a spy opposite Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon in the comedy film The Spy Who Dumped Me. His most recent body of work screams action hero, as he has led SAS: Red Notice as SAS operative Tom Buckingham and in 2020 he played a former Navy SEAL in the Vin Diesel-led superhero movie Bloodshot.
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