The name is Bond, James Bond. So far, only seven actors have said that famous line on screen as 007 himself but countless actors have been rumored for the role over and over again. Since 2006, the role has been played by Daniel Craig in five films including No Time to Die, which is due to be released in November. Still, inevitably rumors fly around who will be next, and, every so often, the reaction online to potential castings is strong.
Craig has been very vocal about the toll the role takes on him, physically, and has previously said he would never return to the part, even going so far as to say he would rather 'slash his wrists' than play Bond again… yet, never say never again, and all that. However, with Craig's complicated feelings about continuing the role, the rumor mill has long been churning to see who might get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin when he does eventually step aside. Here's everyone supposedly in the running as of this writing.
Tom Hardy
The most recent name to be added to the list, Hardy is supposedly already lined-up to take over the role when Craig steps down. His persona as both a gruff, hard man, and also a softy who loves dogs is an interesting one to attach the part of Bond, but that being said, he does look great in a suit. Also, his performances in films like Inception and Mad Max: Fury Road displayed his ability to hold his own in colossal action sequences. At 43, Hardy is nearly ten years younger than Craig and does have a different aura overall, but could that be the key to his success as 007?
Idris Elba
Time and time again, Elba's name comes up when casting rumors start to swirl. For many, Elba has the cool, calm, and collected sexiness that Bond requires but for some, the idea of race-bending the role is problematic. The concept of Elba's casting brings about many interesting theories about the Bond franchise as a whole. Is James Bond a code name, passed down to different agents? It would make sense, with Sean Connery making his first outing as Bond nearly 60 years ago, it stands to reason that it hasn't always been the same man but rather a series of men who have taken on the moniker of Bond. Either way, Elba has a broad fan backing when it comes to this casting and, he has been one of the most consistent actors to be mentioned concerning the role. He's also taken parts in some major franchises and is ready to lead one.
Richard Madden
After his stoic performance in Bodyguard, Madden was rumored to be up for the role. At 34, he is one of the youngest in contention and, given that Craig's Bond, who often focuses on his aches and pains, is always talking about retirement, casting Madden would mean a significant change-up. That said, Madden does offer certain advantages. He has a cult following from his role as Robb Stark on Game of Thrones, and he has the dapper look of Bond down to a T – just look at any red carpet event he's done. Plus, it would be interesting to see what a 34-year-old Bond was like before he was hardened by all the killing and violence. Maybe there's room for a Bond prequel? Still, Madden may be a little busy with his new role in the MCU and might not want to take on more than one big franchise at a time.
Tom Hiddleston
Just like Elba, Tom Hiddleston is another name that is continually linked to the role of Bond. It may be that Hiddleston appears to be what Americans consider quintessentially British. He's well-spoken, suave, and, once again, looks good in a suit. Yet, in 2017, Hiddleston was supposedly super close to being cast but his appearance with then-girlfriend Taylor Swift whilst wearing an 'I Heart TS' t-shirt scuppered the deal – sources say it was due to Hiddleston losing that relaxed British charm when he donned the cringe-worthy top. Who knows if that decision still haunts him? But it seems like Hiddleston’s time has passed.
Henry Golding
Henry Golding is one of the hottest stars going after his turn in the mega-hit Crazy Rich Asians. Since then, he's nabbed roles in two Paul Feig films and one by Guy Ritchie. At the time of writing, Golding's upcoming schedule isn't that busy, and he seems like the kind of guy who would be well suited to the role of Bond. After all, he's been compared to actors like Clark Gable due to his charisma as a leading man so who wouldn't want to see him as an international man of mystery? Of course, like Elba, there has been some push back online about Golding's race but, as many point out, at the end of the day, Bond is about specific characteristics, all of which Golding has.
Robert Pattinson
Back in 2019, when Danny Boyle was set to direct the next Bond film before dropping out, he made it clear he thought Robert Pattinson would be a great successor to Craig. Supposedly, he came to this realization watching the Claire Denis' film High Life which saw Pattinson trapped in space as part of a fertility experiment. However, Pattinson is currently gearing up to debut as Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves' The Batman and seeing as he likes to push his limits and make films like The Lighthouse, Good Time, or Maps to the Stars it seems unlikely he'd take on two prominent franchise roles at once. Unless, of course, his friend and director on Tenet, Christopher Nolan takes on the next film?
Gillian Anderson
Much like other long-running roles, like the Doctor, for example, many have wondered whether it might be time for a woman to pick up a Walther PPK and sip on Martinis. This, of course, would require confirmation of the codename theory but could open up a whole new world in terms of possibilities for the character. Back in 2017, Anderson tweeted out a fan-made poster of her as 007 along with the words 'It's Bond, Jane Bond.' This spun Twitter into a frenzy, and everyone began to speculate whether it could be possible. The dreams of a female Bond came to an end when producer Barbra Broccoli told Variety that Bond was definitely male, but left room for Golding and Elba by saying 'he can be of color'.
Lashana Lynch
Yes, yes, officially, it's been said there can't be a female Bond and yet there already (kind of) is. In the upcoming No Time To Die, Lashana Lynch plays Nomi, the new agent who has taken up the mantel of 007 after Bond walked away from the spy life at the end of Spectre. When the news broke that Lynch would be playing 007 the internet, once again, went wild. This time it was a mixture of joy and anger. While some supported a black woman stepping into the famous role others once again thought the casting was 'political correctness gone mad'. It turns out to be all for nothing… still, one can dream of a world in which Lynch is the latest Bond and, from watching the trailers, oh what a world that would be!
No Time to Die is scheduled to be released November 20th.