Who Will Play James Bond Next?

Meet All the Actors Rumoured to Be in the Running to Be the Next James Bond

Dec 8 2018 by Elle Taylor

We've all grown up with the James Bond franchise, and everyone seems to have an opinion about what makes the perfect 007, or the perfect Bond theme, for that matter. With Daniel Craig stepping down after Bond 25, there are near-constant rumours about who will step into his tuxedo/tight swimming trunks. Plenty of British and Irish actors have had their names bandied about, with the bookies changing their odds as the latest reports circulate.

Speculation can be sparked for a variety of reasons, from actors showing their suitability by appearing in similar roles, to rumours about the next Bond director, as their frequent collaborators then shoot to the top of the list. From long-standing favourites Idris Elba and Tom Hardy to new contenders like Bodyguard star Richard Madden, we've rounded up the top actors who are in the running for Bond. Scroll through them here and join in the speculation.

Image Source: Getty

Idris Elba

Rumours have been so rife about Idris Elba replacing Daniel Craig that the actor himself even teased fans about the speculation.

It dates all the way back to 2014, when a leaked email reportedly showed Sony chief Amy Pascal backing him for the role, but even then the actor wasn't taking it seriously. However, he's remained in the mix ever since.

Image Source: Getty / Mike Marsland

Tom Hardy

Ever since there were rumours about director Christopher Nolan taking the helm of the Bond franchise, Tom Hardy has been thrown into the mix, as he's worked with the director on Inception and The Dark Knight Rises.

While the actor was happy to comment on how "cool" it would be for the director to get the gig, Tom was less keen to discuss his own involvement. But that's probably because he's up for the opportunity, as he said if you talk about it, you're automatically out of the running. He's also said anybody would consider doing Bond. He's even got Pierce Brosnan's blessing.

Image Source: Getty / Jon Kopaloff

Aidan Turner

Like other actors before him who have been linked to the role, Poldark star Aidan Turner hasn't been keen to discuss rumours that he might step into Daniel Craig's swimming trunks.

In May 2018 he gave a nod to the speculation, saying: "There's someone else playing the role at the moment, but when it's free I'll have a look at it".

Image Source: Getty / Joe Maher

Cillian Murphy

In February 2018 the odds were slashed on Cillian Murphy becoming the next Bond. Having been an outsider at 125/1, he shot to 12/1 when there was a flurry of bets placed on him.

Like his Peaky Blinders costar Tom Hardy, Cillian has worked with Christopher Nolan, so the rumours about the director taking over after Bond 25 give weight to one of his frequent collaborators getting the lead role.

Image Source: Getty / Eamonn M. McCormack

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Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom created a stir in September 2018 when there was a surge in bets that the Lord of the Rings star would become the next Bond.

Back in May 2017, when promoting his spy thriller Unlocked, Orlando admitted he loves that "world" and grew up loving the films.

Image Source: Getty / Jeff Spicer

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill has been upfront about his interest in the role, saying in July 2018 that his experience of stunts on Mission: Impossible has prepared him for a physical role and that he would say yes if they were to ask.

Rumours claim they almost did ask, back in 2005 when the Casino Royale director seriously considered the Superman actor but opted for Daniel Craig instead, feeling that Henry was too young at just 22.

Image Source: Getty / Daniele Venturelli

James Norton

McMafia's James Norton certainly has the experience, and the bookies' belief in him to play the role. However, in Summer 2018 he said the rumours about his being Bond were "absurd" and "lovely nonsense."

Not only that, he also admitted he didn't know if he'd want to do it even if it were offered to him. He'd actually love to play a Bond villain instead, so maybe we should be watching that space.

Image Source: Getty / Rob Kim

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston had been bookies' favourite for a long time, and we can think of plenty of (sexy) reasons he'd be a good fit.

He's got previous experience playing a spy in the BBC drama The Night Manager, and that show's director Susanne Bier has been linked to the movie franchise too. Tom's costar Olivia Colman has also given him her vote. However, Tom's consistently played down rumours.

Image Source: Getty / David M. Benett

Richard Madden

Reports in October 2018 that Richard Madden was being lined up to replace Daniel Craig meant that the Bodyguard star became the bookies' favourite for the coveted role.

It was claimed that Barbara Broccoli, the executive producer at Eon Productions was going to approach the actor imminently. However, it's thought that it will be a while yet until any offers will be made. After all, Bond 25 won't start shooting until March 2019, with a release date of February 2020. So there's certainly no rush for the next Bond, James Bond, to be chosen.

Image Source: Getty / Stuart C. Wilson