The next James Bond: 7 actors would could replace Daniel Craig

Which actor could play the next 007?

Daniel Craig will surely go down with Connery as the greatest Bond there's ever been. But who's going to replace him? We look at the most likely candidates...

TOM HARDY

The finest actor of his generation? Possibly. Showing an uncanny ability to shapeshift, be it Bane, Charles Bronson or the Krays, Hardy is the bookies' favorite to replace Craig. 

HENRY CAVILL

He’s got the looks, charm, and could easily slide into the role without fuss. Cavill even previously auditioned for the role, losing out to Craig in 2005 when he was just 22 years old.

IDRIS ELBA

He's just cool, isn’t he? On that alone, he should be Bond. Then you look at his body of work: from The Wire to Beasts of No Nation, no other prospective 007 has a stronger CV.

LASHANA LYNCH

Playing 007 in No Time to Die, Lynch laces Bond's successor with a straight-shooting attitude and aptitude for a quip. She'd be a winningly bold choice if she kept the gig.

TOM HIDDLESTON

The excellent BBC drama The Night Manager showed why Tom is tailor-made to be the next Bond. Emphasis on 'tailor'. Hiddleston oozes effortless charisma. 

RICHARD MADDEN

A recognisable actor, but not too much of a big name, stoic when he needs to be, and always has a one-liner handy. Oh, and hoo-boy does the Scot ever look sharp in a suit. 

DEV PATEL

The Green Knight has cemented Patel as one of Hollywood’s leading lights, and this versatile, sensitive leading man has a restrained side that’s often required for the Bond job.

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