Top Picks to Be the Next 007

One of the most active rumour mills in Hollywood surrounds the question of who will become the next actor to take up the mantle of James Bond, 007. The historic creation of Ian Fleming, and one of the film industry’s most enduring and beloved franchises, the hopefuls under consideration will be following in the wake of Daniel Craig, following his handing in his licence to kill with 2021’s stunning No Time to Die.

The titular spy has made an indelible impact on popular culture in his cinematic guise, serving as a benchmark for suave sophistication, sex appeal and lethal pragmatism. This heady cocktail, served shaken not stirred of course, has caused the character of Bond to become much more than the sum of his parts. 

It’s hard to imagine any espionage-focused action movie franchise free from the influence of EON Production’s vast cinematic saga, with everything from the Mission Impossible series, to the Bourne films, and even 2002’s xXx crafting their storytelling and styling in response to the Bond franchise. 

Elsewhere, Bond’s preference for Aston Martin’s sports cars, and the Vodka Martini, have forever tied those products to the secret agent. And consider that only those lacking in fun and imagination fail to associate a night in the casino with the character’s white tuxedo and inimitable composure before the roulette wheel and blackjack table. 

This experience is one that has only grown in popularity in recent years, with a marked shift in the gaming preferences of casino aficionados towards the online sector. This should come as no surprise, with leading platforms such as VegasSlotsOnline increasingly reducing friction in high-quality platform discovery. 

This has led to gamers seeking the best online casinos in diverse regions from Canada to Japan to opt for comparison platforms such as these whenever they have a mind to emulate Bond. What’s more, with a comprehensive range of sign-up bonuses and promotions on offer for each listing provided by them, having a flutter has never been more cost effective Suffice to say, this character represents some big boots to fill, and that’s without considering the impact former Bond stars have had on the character. From Connery to Craig, 007 has been shaped and crafted by the actors that have taken him up, with each building on the formula. So who’s got what it takes, and who are thought to be the frontrunners in the race to succeed Daniel Craig?

Idris Elba

Idris Elba has been long tied with the prospect of playing Bond, and there’s no doubt that the Luther and The Wire star has the on-screen presence to carry the role. Yet, at the age of 50, and the next production still slated to begin a few years off from now, there are real questions around whether the star would already be too old to commit to what amounts to a 12 to 15-year role. This is especially so given that EON’s producers have suggested they’d be looking for an actor in their 30s preferably.

Tom Hardy

Also long associated with rumours of playing Bond, Hardy himself has expressed interest in the character. However, Barbara Broccoli, the rights holder for the franchise, has previously stated that Hardy may already be too well established to become Bond. This does bear out, as all previous Bonds, barring Roger Moore – who was a household name due to his turn in the 60s crime show The Saint – came from relative obscurity to assume the character.

Regé-Jean Page

Star of Netflix hit Bridgerton has more recently become tied to the prospect of playing Bond, but has dismissed rumours as mere flattery in the press. What’s more, with the recent announcement that the actor has been cast in a reboot of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, he may already have his plate full in the coming years.

James Norton

McMafia and Grandchester star Norton is the latest up-and-comer to become a favourite with bookies assessing the most likely candidates to become 007. He is thought to have the right combination of screen presence, fame and attitude to make a fine successor to Daniel Craig.

Henry Cavill

The Witcher and Man of Steel star Henry Cavill remains the out-and-out frontrunner to become Bond, having previously been pipped by Daniel Craig to take up the character for 2006’s Casino Royale, furthermore refusing the chance to star in Zack Snyder’s 300 in the process. What’s certain is that he certainly looks the part, and is thought to have nearly a 33% chance of cinching the role this time round.

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