8 actors who could be the next James Bond
<p>He’s one of the most famous characters in film and literature history, so it comes as no surprise that there’s huge demand for the role of James Bond. From silver screen favourites to television stars – and even one starlet – it seems everyone wants to say the iconic words, “Bond. James Bond.” Let’s take a look at all the hopefuls vying for the classic role, and just how good their chances are.</p>
<p><strong>1. Idris Elba</strong></p>
<p>The 43-year-old rose to fame on crime drama <em>The Wire</em>, and has since gone on to establish himself as a force in the world of action films, appearing in <em>American Gangster</em>, <em>Thor</em>, <em>Prometheus</em> and starring in the BBC series <em>Luther</em>. Elba would be the first black actor to play Bond, which he says would be “great”, but that the hype surrounding his chances have taken the shine away from the role. “Enough is enough. I can't talk about it anymore.”</p>
<p><strong>2. Tom Hiddleston</strong></p>
<p>He’s well-known among film buffs, but Hiddleston, 35, has become quite a star in recent months thanks to his romance with pop star Taylor Swift. His name was thrown into the Bond ring after his critically-acclaimed role as a soldier-turned-spy in <em>The Night Manager</em>. Reports suggest he is already in talks with Bond producers, but the actor is keeping mum on the topic, saying “I don't think that announcement is coming.”</p>
<p><strong>3. James Norton</strong></p>
<p>He might not yet be a household name, but Norton definitely has some ideal Bond qualities – like a face that doesn’t give much away. The 30-year-old recently shone in the BBC adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s <em>War and Peace</em> and his role in the crime show <em>Happy Valley</em> has placed him at the top of many bookies’ lists.</p>
<p><strong>4. Jamie Bell</strong></p>
<p>If the name sounds familiar, you might remember now-30-year-old Bell from his role as <em>Billy Elliot</em> in the 2000 film of the same name. Since his breakout role, the actor has moved from strength to strength, appearing in <em>King Kong</em>, <em>Jumper</em> and <em>Snowpiercer</em>, which brought him to the attention of Bond producers. In fact, one producer (Barbara Broccoli) reportedly entered talks with the actor after working with him on<em> Film Stars Don’t Die</em>.</p>
<p><strong>5. Aidan Turner</strong></p>
<p>This Irish-born 33-year-old will be instantly recognised by fans of <em>Poldark</em>, which shot him into the limelight. Turner also appeared in the miniseries adaptation of Agatha Christie’s mystery <em>And Then There Were None</em>, which bookies believe showed enough potential to land him on their list of potential Bonds.</p>
<p><strong>6. Tom Hardy</strong></p>
<p>Many believe he’s too famous to play Bond, but 38-year-old Hardy’s filmography has proven he definitely has what it takes. An early favourite with the bookies, Hardy’s roles in <em>The Dark Knight Rises</em>, <em>The Revenant</em> and <em>Mad Max: Fury Road</em> showcase his best Bond qualities. Plus, he’s already said he’d “love to do it”. “Who wouldn’t? If I did get the chance, I would smash it out the park.”</p>
<p><strong>7. Henry Cavill</strong></p>
<p>He’s already played Superman, so what’s to stop Cavill, 33, playing yet another iconic role? Plus, it wouldn’t be his first Ian Fleming character, having played Napoleon Solo in <em>The Man from U.N.C.L.E.</em> “If there were any windows and they wanted me to do that kind of role it would be great and I would love to do it,” he says.</p>
<p><strong>8. Gillian Anderson</strong></p>
<p>Yep, there’s a female possibility in the mix! 48-year-old Anderson has already proven herself capable of tough, strong roles, having starred as Dana Scully in <em>The X-Files</em>, as well as playing a detective in <em>The Fall</em> and a very M-like character in the James Bond parody <em>Johnny English</em>. While a female Bond doesn’t seem very likely, Anderson has been thrilled at the vote of confidence, sharing a fan-made poster of herself as bond with the caption, “It’s Bond. Jane Bond.”</p>
<p>Who do you think would make the best Bond? Share your suggestions with us in the comment section below.</p>
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