It looks like Daniel Craig is bidding farewell to the role of James Bond, and if that really is the case then Spectre was a pretty impressive way to sign off.

Craig has become synonymous with the British secret agent since taking over nearly a decade ago, adding an aura of toughness and masculinity while still maintaining the tongue-in-cheek humour that Bond is known for.

The next actor to play Bond on the big screen is certainly going to have his work cut out, but fortunately there are more than a few talented names being lined up for the job. Here are some of the men who could be stepping into the famous tuxedo.

 

Idris Elba

One of the frontrunners is The Wire and Luther star Idris Elba, who would certainly fit the mould of a tough guy who can also hit it off with the ladies.

Elba has been linked with the role for years now, and the London-born actor would make his mark as the first black James Bond. The only thing standing against Elba and his impressive CV is his age, as he’d only have time to film two or three adventures before he reaches his 50s. Nevertheless, Elba looks like the outstanding candidate.

 

Damian Lewis

Damian Lewis is best known for his work on Homeland, as the troubled war veteran who you don’t know whether you should be loving or hating.

His spectacular performances in the show indicate that he would be a great choice for the next Bond, and another advantage is that he is already a big name outside of the UK. However he’s also another actor who is nearing his 50s, so the decision-makers might be looking to plump for a younger star.

 

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is definitely the contender with the biggest star quality, and you only have to look back at his filmography to see why. The Revenant, Legend, Mad Max: Fury Road, Batman… Hardy is an English actor who is really making a name for himself all over the world.

Taking all the favourites into consideration he is probably the one with the greatest range, from playing gritty American hunters (The Revenant) to renowned British bad boys (Legend), and we have no doubt that Hardy would fill the role superbly.

 

Henry Cavill

Rumour has it that Cavill was fancied for the role back in 2005, but he was eventually deemed too young to take on the role of the suave assassin. Age could play into his favour here though, as he would be the perfect age to play Bond for the next decade and beyond.

Cavill is already making a big name for himself by playing Superman, so James Bond could be the natural next step for his career.

 

Tom Hiddleston

Another contender of the superhero variety, Hiddleston has played starring roles in Thor and The Avengers, and he’s very vocal about wanting the next shot at being James Bond.

Working in his favour is the fact that he’s already played a well-spoken British spy in The Night Manager, and he’s the perfect age to be considered for the part. If the Bond producers are looking for a talented actor outside of the big names mentioned above then they can’t really go wrong with Hiddleston.

There are many different names up for consideration when it comes to Bond, and it’s a role that every actor would love to play and make it their own. As long as they’ve brushed up on their knowledge of how to play poker and they know how to deliver the classic line, “Shaken, not stirred” then all of the stars we’ve mentioned could prove a real hit with audiences worldwide.

 

Who do you think should be the next James Bond? Let us know below…