The Great James Bond Casting Dispute Begins! Who is the Next 007?

Daniel Craig‘s James Bond, who will go down in history as one of the most successful versions of the character, ending with a fine swansong in No Time to Die. But now that his term is finally (very firmly) over, audiences are wondering who will be chosen to inherit the license to kill.

Variety recently conducted an interview with Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli, who stated that “it will take some time” to find someone to replace Craig. She said: “I’ve known for a long time that it would need time.”

“It’s a big decision. It’s not just casting a role. It’s about a whole rethink about where we’re going. I’m just here celebrating one of the greatest actors on the planet, Daniel Craig.”

However, the passage also mentions several actors who have been “rumored about in connection to the coveted role.” Now it’s worth noting that Variety ‘s article does not name any of the actors who are officially in contention for the part. It simply lists some of the individuals mentioned as possible future James Bonds, including Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba and Jacob Elordi.

The first three are frequent fan favorites, but it’s doubtful that they’d want to commit to the Bond series. While Henry Cavill is committed to multiple seasons of Netflix’s The Witcher, and at 49 years old Idris Elba is probably too old for the role. As for Tom Hardy, he has declined to comment on the subject.

Despite the glamour of being agent 007, taking on this job entails a lengthy commitment, strict regulations on how you conduct yourself professionally and socially, and ties you into a slew of marketing campaigns. It’s interesting to note that even with the dangling carrot of millions of dollars dangling before him, Craig kept trying to quit the franchise.

With the 60th anniversary of the first James Bond film, Dr. No, fast approaching in 2022, it’s very likely we’ll see an official announcement before then. While the rumor mills continue to turn out new suggestions for the next great spy, only time will tell whether die-hard Bond fans have accurately guessed who is destined to take over from Craig.

Who do you believe would make a great James Bond? Let us know in the comments below!