After Daniel Craig's solid performance as the famous Bond, fans are clamoring over who'd they love to see next in the iconic role. Now, fans can agree to an extent that Craig's Bond was indeed controversial, however, the fandom team is split as to who they'd like to see next reprising the role: an even more controversial, edgy pick, or something that gives fans the nostalgic yet nouveau hint of the good old classic Bond.
Some fans even see this as an opportunity to call for a more inclusive revisionism of the role of Bond by calling for a female Bond or a person of color to be cast as the British hero. With some of the names on this list being in negotiation for years, and other being heavily requested by fans and critics alike, here's a run down of the actors and actresses fans would love to see playing Bond.
8 Henry Cavill Might Take Off His Cape and Put On A Tuxedo
Superman himself, Henry Cavill has donned the cape of a hero many times, but fans would love to see him become the Machiavellian spy they so love and adore. Although Henry Cavill was not very enthused about the idea of becoming James Bond citing his busy schedule, he's still the Bond champion of many adoring fans.
7 Tom Hardy Might Put The Bond Back In James Bond
Resident bad boy and Peaky Blinders star Tom Hardy has been in the running for Bond for quite some time now. With his charismatic vibe of rugged noir anti-hero with a heart of gold, fans think Hardy is the perfect fit for Bond both character wise and physique wise and question whether or not he might be the next one.
6 Cillian Murphy Might Be The New Irish Bond
Cillian Murphy was always a critically acclaimed actor, but he shot to world famous status after his role in Peaky Blinders. Both Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy are favorites for notable directors like Christopher Nolan, which is why fans circulated their movie magic dreams by wanting Cillian Murphy to be the next Bond in a film directed by Nolan himself. Although this is mere speculation, fans will get the actor director duo collab on another film titled Oppenheimer.
5 Henry Golding Might Be What This Franchise Needs
The Crazy Rich Asians star has already proved himself in the eyes of fans of being worthy for the role of Bond. British, handsome, daring and a star actor, Golding is a fresh new face and might be the change that the franchise needs right now.
4 Regé-Gean Page Is Netflix Royalty, But Might Be Spy Royalty
The dashing British actor broke out to the scene with his role on the hit Netflix show, Bridgerton, and his charismatic show of acting talent made him immediately a fan favorite for the role of the charmingly devilish British spy.
3 Idris Elba Has Been On The Bond Shortlist Forever
It's been years since the first rumors came out about Idris Elba being considered to be the next Bond, even before Daniel Craig's term ended, and fans don't know why such talks have never come out with a fruitful result. Yet, the British mega actor and DJ remains one of the top actors considered for the role. An outright confirmation of the role might be lagging because of Elba's own consent, in an interview with NPR the actor said, "I don't think that playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals, it will definitely satisfy the will of a nation, I'm not going to lie."
2 Richard Madden Is Now A Top Bond Contender
The Scottish Game of Thrones actor is no stranger to action roles. Starring in the famous HBO show GOT, with roles in other action films like The BodyGuard and the upcoming Russo Brothers film Citadel, Madden has an action repertoire on his belt. Being adored by fans is also a massive plus for being the next 007.
1 Paul Mescal Is An Underground 007 Contender
Normal People Irish actor Paul Mescal might not be the top of mind contender for the role of James Bond, but critics and fans alike would love to see someone like him embody the complexities of the notorious British spy. When asked about if he'd be down to fill on the shoes of 007 next, the actor told Digital Spy, "Would I play Bond? Yeah I don’t know. “If it ever came my way, we’d have a discussion about it. I don’t know. I don’t want to say yes or no. I am a massive fan, and will continue to be, regardless. “The truth is, I haven’t had anyone from the world of James Bond come near me." Fans sure hope that he really considers it as he might just bring a much-needed new depth to the iconic Ian Fleming character.
