And The Next James Bond is....
Daniel Craig is back as 007. But is he worth the reported £100 million payday?
Just in case he pulls out, or they need to think of the next 007, we've looked at the potential men (and a few women) who might be set to fill his patent polished shoes. Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, Damian Lewis, Idris Elba or maybe Emily Blunt?
Getty ImagesJamie Bell
Well, this is a surprise! Billy Elliott cutie Jamie Bell could be lined up to play 007. It has been reported that Bond boss Barbara Broccoli was uber impressed by Jamie after working with him on his latest movie, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool.
“Barbara has been a fan of Jamie for a long time and has even thought about him playing another role in the franchise before,” an insider told The Sun.
Watch this space...
BBCAidan Turner
After his performance on the Agatha Christie adaptation And Then There Were None, fans immediately praised Aidan to be the next 007.
The 32-year-old, who was recently crowned as our Sexiest Man Of The Year, has now reportedly 'held preliminary talks with Bond producers' so he could be a strong contender for the next 007.
BBCTom Hiddleston
Anyone else just a teensy* bit obsessed with Tom Hiddleston in the BBC’s adaptation of John Le Carré’s The Night Manager? As Jonathan Pine – former soldier turned hotel night manager turned (at the end of episode one) undercover spy – he is un-be-lieve-ably hot. Sorry, we mean, gives an extraordinary performance.
He’s also Bond-in-waiting. Suave (check), madly charming (check) and unruffled by almost anything (check) – as a riot rages outside, he murmers, “Would you like to wait in the bar, madam? Cocktails complimentary.” – save for the death of his beautiful lover, Sophie, at the behest of super-villain Richard Roper (aka a Bond-esque “worst man in the world”), which he vows to avenge, as he is an idealistic (check) and fundamentally decent chap (check). Did we mention that women fall at his feet (check)? Sophie purrs him into bed (Hiddleston topless klaxon) and Roper’s mistress can’t seem to keep her clothes on in his presence.
*massively
Getty ImagesDamian Lewis
If you’ve got money to put on this, Damian Lewis is your best bet. The 44-year-old Brit is around the right age, right build and has long been the bookies’ favourite to replace Daniel. He’s already shown he can be a spy with the best of them, thanks to his role as double/triple agent Brody in Homeland and, according to sources, he’s been given the unofficial nod by Bond bosses.
Bond Trademark: After a number of brunette and blonde Bonds, Damian would be the first ginger 007.
Getty ImagesIdris Elba
The potential casting of Idris Elba in the role of the spy has already spawned a flurry of newspaper columns. James Bond “continuation” author Anthony Horowitz found himself in hot water when he said that the actor was “too street” for the role, while former Bond Pierce Brosnan supported his casting: “Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence.” Idris is thought to be keen on getting the role but tired of the headlines that are already surrounding him.
Bond Trademark: He’d bring a modern suavity to 007 and he looks damn good in a suit.
Getty ImagesDavid Beckham
Admittedly David Beckham has already ruled himself out of being 007 – but let us just take a moment to imagine. He certainly looks the part (even if he doesn’t quite sound like Bond) AND we can so see him driving an Aston Martin at high speed around the twisting streets of some Eastern European city.
Bond Trademark: Becks would be a Bond with tattoos.
Getty ImagesDan Stevens
Dan Stevens might be an outsider in the race to be Bond but the former Downton Abbey star’s in with a chance. He’s already shown he can do action roles in The Guest and he’s set to become a Hollywood heart-throb once Disney’s live-action version of Beauty & The Beast hits cinemas next year.
Bond Trademark: We’d do anything for those piercing blue eyes.
Getty ImagesTom Hardy
The name’s Hardy. Tom Hardy and he certainly has that brooding, tormented thing down to a tee. His Bond would be the complicated type who would woo women without saying a word. The actor has already expressed his interest: "I think anybody would consider doing Bond, wouldn't they?"
Bond Trademark: The dark side of 007 revealed.
Getty ImagesHenry Cavill
Film bosses will certainly have Henry Cavill on their radar: he ticks many of the 007 boxes thanks to his physique and general gentlemanliness. His roles in Man Of Steel and The Man From UNCLE might count against him however as he’s already the face of two major franchises and that might not go down well with the Bond team.
Bond Trademark: So much chiselled jaw.
Getty ImagesMichael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender has already wowed us in Inglourious Basterds and MacBeth and would bring his characteristic Irish/German lilt to the role. Like Bond, he’s known to be a hit with the ladies and we can certainly see him taking on a Russian spy down some dark alley and winning.
Bond Trademark: Raw sex appeal.
Getty ImagesJason Statham
Jason Statham has made his name in gangster movies but was his role as an agent in Spy a subtle attempt to bring him closer to the prize that is 007? Maybe. He’s already got his very own Bond girl at home in the form of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and he’s not a scaredy-cat when it comes to stunts. “If someone wants me to jump off [a] balcony,” said the actor. “And land on a crash pad, that’s a piece of cake for me.”
Bond Trademark: No stuntman required. Jason Statham is trained in martial arts and a former diver. Bring on the underwater submarine scenes!
Getty ImagesRomola Garai
So let’s just dream for a minute… what if those bosses at Bond Towers surprised us all and opted for a woman. Yes, a female Bond could happen. Romola Garai has been touted as a potential Bond Girl but we think she’s quick-witted and smooth enough to make the main character her own. Who’s with us?
Bond Trademark: This Bond doesn’t take any crap from anyone.
Getty ImagesEmily Blunt
If we’re going for a female Bond then Emily Blunt also springs to mind. She’s proven that she can do action with roles in Edge of Tomorrow and she’s already played a secret agent in Sicario.
Bond Trademark: Looks like an English rose but has a thorny side.
