We’re going to have a blonde James Bond for two more 007 films, but people are already discussing what will happen to the Bond franchise after Daniel Craig. For the record, I really enjoy Daniel Craig as Bond, and I think he brings an interesting vibe to the character, and I’m looking forward to Skyfall and to his next two Bond films. But I do love to wildly speculate, and Naomie Harris (who stars in Skyfall) seemed to let the cat out of the bag about one particular Bond option – Idris Elba?! Oh, yes. Oddsmakers are also saying that Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy and Sam Worthington are in the running:
Daniel Craig may have another two Bond movies left in him after ‘Skyfall’, but the speculation has already started as to who’ll replace him. And bookmaker Paddy Power think that we could get a black Bond as they’ve slashed the odds on Londoner Idris Elba becoming the next 007, making him a new favourite.
It’s believed to be due to the fact that current bond girl Naomie Harris’ claimed that Elba was being lined up to become Bond. She told the Huffington Post: “I didn’t realise that there was this talk and then I did a film with Idris and he said that he met Barbara Broccoli and that it does seem like there is a possibility in the future that there could very well be a black James Bond.”
Elba’s ‘Prometheus’ co-star Michael Fassbender is next in the betting at 5s along with ‘Clash of The Titans’ star Sam Worthington, with Tom Hardy next at 6s.
Elba rose to fame as Stringer Bell in The Wire, but despite playing a Baltimore drug baron he’s a native Brit, while his co-star in the now classic TV series Dominic West is our best tip at a lengthy 25-1.
Elba doesn’t want to be thought of as the next 007 though, as he told NPR: “It’s a rumor. I just don’t want to be the black James Bond. Sean Connery wasn’t the Scottish James Bond, and Daniel Craig wasn’t the blue-eyed James Bond.”
Another first would be a first red haired James Bond, and that could happen in the shape of Damian Lewis, whose odds were at 5-1 with William Hill, although the market has since been taken down from Oddschecker.com. He’s unrated by PaddyPower, who also have Batman star Dougray Scott as fifth favourite at 12-1.
I really like the idea of Idris Elba as Bond. I think he would do a great job in total – he looks great in a suit and a tux, he’s a really big guy (tall and just… big), and he’s a fine-ass man. As much as I love and adore my husband Michael Fassbender, I don’t really want to see him as Bond. He would be great, for sure, because he’s a wonderful actor and he’s a great physical actor (like, he’s good at stunts and such). But I feel like Bond would be a prison for Fassy – he wouldn’t be able to do the kind of work he wants to do. Same kind of thing with Tom Hardy – he seems to like to do “interesting” character work rather than “be the lead of the biggest franchise of all time.” But Tom would bring a lot of the same street-fighter vibes that Daniel Craig has brought. As for Sam Worthington… that one’s a non-starter, I think.
PS… Yes, I just wrote this so I could post pretty photos of three of my favorite dudes.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Oh god. Those men. I’m going to leave my laptop open to this page just in case we lose power 😉
Hahaha bite your tongue! I hope we don’t lose power! That’s what I’m worried about the most. The wind is terrifying.
But real talk though this post is hot! And I am not a big bond fan but would definitely become one if Idris was cast, that man is FINE. I’d take both Tom or Fassy but Idris is my pick .
First real laugh on here today! And an excellent idea to boot!
I think all 3 would fit the bill and make awesome Bonds. However, my heart will always (always!) belong to Tom Hardy so I’m rooting for him on this one.
Thank you for thinking of us too in posting this. <3
+1 on everything.
Although I’m rooting for Damian Lewis also.
If Christopher Nolan is involved with the new Bond project, you can bet your money that Tom Hardy will be Bond.
Henry Cavill.
More attractive than any of those guys.
Elba.
YESSSSSSSS!
Idris for the win. That man is so fine.
Idris for Bond! I have been glued to Luther on UKTV down here in the the South Pacific, and I LOVE everything about this guy. He would be a perfect Bond. As you can tell I have a wee bit of a crush going on.
To all the people currently enduring the Hurricane..stay safe and stay strong!
Definitly. Fassy is everywhere these days and he doesn´t need that career push that James Bond would bring, he´s too busy already. Tom Hardy in my eyes is kind of sleazy and scummy, and as far as the “he seems to like to do “interesting” character work rather than “be the lead of the biggest franchise of all time.” bit, well he´s doing Mad Max which might lead to a couple of sequels. Sam Worthington, no just no.
I would bet that if Bond is being offered to any of them they would say yes, it´s Bond, it´s really an iconic character and seems like a lot of fun to play.
I hope Elba gets it, but I´m already preparing myself for a racist shitstorm. People were already freaking out that he was in Thor, or that there were black actors in the Hunger Games,I´m cringing thinking about the backlash when a black actor will become the new Bond.
I understand Elba´s sentiment that he doesn´t want to be the BLACK Bond, but most people will perceive it that way, even though it shouldn´t matter.
I see what you mean and agree as far as U.S. audience is concerned. Elba as Bond, well, it’s unlikely. BUT the global audience–India, the pacific, South America, and so many more — is another story, I think Elba could be a HUGE hit for a creaky franchise.
Alas, no matter how much the ladies love Elba, the Bond series has never been directed toward us — I think Bond is intended as a male aspirational fantasy, and in the U.S. that equals “white”, at least to the poobahs and money men who run media.
Yes! All the way. Hopefully producers get that too. Though; first time I saw Fassbender I said to my man:”If this guy was around in Connery time he would so challenge him for a Bond role.” My guy wasn’t so sure about it, and now having Elba in a competition I have to say it -yes to Elba
Yes yes yessity yesyesyes!! Elba. Yes.
Bond Chocolate Bond.
Idris would be a great Bond!
Love it! idris is so mmmmmm
Yummmmm to all three. I like Hardy for the next Bond though.
Idris please, the only way I’d bother seeing James Bond is with Idris, he is just sex on a stick. YUMMY!!!!!!
Yeah, he’s hot. His smile makes me smile.
One sweet slice of man pie. Idris!
Tom Hardy!
ERMAGERRRD imagine if dougray scott was james bond?!?! he’s kinda old so i doubt it would happen… but no one gives him enough attention. seriously. He didn’t look so hawt in My Week With Marilyn but remember Ever After? DAYUM. Too bad it’s all in the past…
Hardy is hardly Bond material, we saw that in that dumb movie with Reese. And Elba is a beautiful man..but I don’t see it happening. One can hope.
Fassbender doesn’t need it and I think it would be a career downer for him if he wants to do more serious work.
Franchises are great for actors needing that thing to keep the career going but they only lead to the wall.
Fassbender and Hardy are not classy enough for a Bond role, I don’t think either of them could carry it.
They are also the most unattractive males in that age group so I vote for Idris, hes’ classy, and attractive and could pull it off.
Who on earth put Fassbender and Hardy in the running?
I do love Hardy myself but not as Bond.
Stringer Bell! YES that’s the only way I’d ever watch a bond movie. So hot. Thank u Kaiser for the swoon worthy men… Now do a post in my forever dong Keanu and my Sandy Monday will be set
Damian Lewis is delish. I can’t get enough of him on Homeland. He or Fassy would do a great job. Not familiar with Elba’s work and Tom Hardy is so NOT sexy to me.
YES! Damien Lewis is actually beautiful!
this post is beautiful on so many levels. and i vote idris elba!
+1
He is the most handsome and he has such a powerful masculine aura about him. Not to mention he’s an amazing actor. He would set fire to the screen as James Bond. Really hope it happens….
Oh god, please let this happen. IDRIS ELBA <3
Idris is so beautiful.
I’d go Elba, nice to look at, but this is so far in advance won’t the choices have changed by then?
James McAvoy would be a great Bond. He would be unexpected like Craig was.
Idris Elba, hands down. That man’s voice is killer. The article said something about maybe having a red haired James Bond for the first time but wasn’t Roger Moore a redhead? Just looked at old clips and Moore appeared to be ginger.
I really can’t see any of them as Bond. I hope DC keeps at it, a la Moore or Connery.
Every night, I pray to Lord Jesus Christ that Idris Elba be the next Bond.
Tom Hardy is too stocky and Michael Fassbender is a bit bookish or theater-ish looking. He’s like a formal Matthew McConaughey.
i just literally laughed out loud
There’s this scene in Inglorious Basterds before the stand-off with the Nazis in a basement when Fassy drinks Scotch, and he starts speaking English after some dialogue in German. The way he drinks, the way his voice changes from the rough German to the smooth English… It’s so James Bond. That voice, I love it.
But… You’re right. He makes very interesting movies. James Bond would become a prison, as all franchises are. And he’s more of a James Bond villain type anyway.
Very good point about Basterds. Fassy would kill it if he wanted to do it. Every time there’s a new Bond there’s doubt – I remember lots of skepticism about the choice of Daniel Craig, and for my money he’s been the best so far. I think the producers have learned to start with a list of people who can actually act.
I vote for Fassy. I think he looks the part.
I’m not sure Europe is ready for a black bond for the same reason black men don’t get lead roles often unless it’s in an “Urban” movie.
England has a black Guinevere in Merlin and that series is insanely popular (not a leading lady, I know, but have seen little complaints about it).
I think it’s less of an issue than in the States, though there will definitely be some guys whining about it.
Idris Elba.
Idris!!! He’d be the PERFECT sexy Bond!! I do not get the obsessionf or Fassbender and I like Tom Hardy but not as Bond.
It’s a shame Henry Cavill can’t act. Otherwise he’d be perfect for the role.
Given that Elba is already 40, and that Craig is contracted for another two films, wouldn’t he be a bit old? I reckon Fassbender is too skinny and not physically imposing enough to be Bond. And I don’t know who Tom Hardy is, but he looks a bit fugly in these pics.
So, none of the above.
BTW though he’s clearly too old now, it’s a shame James Purefoy never got to be Bond. Apparently he was considered for the role at one point. He would have been a perfect Bond in the ‘classic’ sense of the role, but I suppose the producers wanted to shake it up a bit and have a slightly more ‘modern’ Bond. Hence Daniel Craig, who really isn’t the stereotypical suave Bond.
I love James Purefoy! He was so badass as Marc Antony in Rome
This is a question for a few years from now, it could be someone new or at least under the radar. I’m loving Daniel Craig so I’m in no rush.
They are all good choices, but if all three have ongoing, thriving careers I doubt they would take it. Also, I adored the Wire and I consider it a complement to Idris when I say I don’t think I can go there with Stringer Bell as Bond. 😉
If Idris Elba is the next Bond, I would actually, for the first time in my life, go to watch it in the cinema.
Same here. I have a perfect record of not seeing one Bond film, but Idris would change that. He is truly amazing in Luther.
Elba for the win!!
I don’t see Fassy as Bond, tbh…he doesn’t have the raw power / masculinity that Bond is supposed to have. Now, I’m not saying he’s not masculine but IMHO he’s not quite at the Bond level of uber-man the way Daniel Craig is. Tom Hardy fits the bill a bit better in terms of physical presence but he doesn’t strike me as intellectual in a Bond way.
And I ADORE Idris Elba but (and I’m not trying to play a race card here) would mainstream moviegoers accept a non-white Bond? I’d love to see it happen but I doubt it will.
You are not playing the race card, its a valid concern. If he does get the part, there would be a huge “plop” sound as racists all over the world collapse from heart attacks.
There already was a backlash when he had a minor role in Thor. I think there would be a huge racist shitstorm if he played Bond. Or do you remember this The Hunger Games controversy about that some actors were black.
Which was ridiculous since those characters were actually black in the original story.
thats actually why i would love it so much if he got casted. i mean he’s an amazing actor, but an amazing actor is not enough to bring me to the cinema. a black actor though? I am so going!
henry cavill or clive owen please.
Clive Owen is pushing 50. He might have been in with a shot a decade ago (though imho he’s a lousy actor) but he’s way too old now.
Elba alllll the way.
Sam worthington is too much musclehead to pull off Bond. Bond is suave and cultured, not just a gun toting suit.Craig is just the right balance- Fassbender too. There is a little known British actor Stephen Campbell-Moore who would be unconventional, but would shine in the role
I like Hardy, but Elba would be a great choice.
Elba or Fassbender would be fine with me…no Hardy boy. He doesn’t have the “it” to pull off Bond.
Elba! Elba. Elba. Elba. I love Fassy but this article is totally right. He wouldn’t get to make those diverse movies that I so love to see him in. Tom Hardy…Eh. I don’t see it. Someone said Henry Cavill and I really don’t see it. I love Cavill. I remember being in high school and watching him in the Count of Monte Cristo as the son–amazing! But not Bond imho.
This post just has me sighing and grinning. 😀 Idris and Michael, yummy!!!!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/22/skyfall-james-bond-daniel-craig-colin-firth-clive-owen-benedict-cumberbatch_n_2003640.html
Why don’t you print the whole article from The Huffington Post. There is a poll on there and Colin Firth is winning by quite a lot on there.
Well that would be my dream come true! But seriously, Sam Worthington? Are they intending to chuck a plank of wood in an Aston Martin and call it a day?
They should use a young Englishman like Alex Pettyfer to play Bond, that way the same actor can grow with the character.
I’m surprised that no one is cumberpatching in this topic. He’s yound enough that in 2 films’s time he’ll be the perfect age, and wouldn’t you like to see a bitchy Bond. I think it would be AWESOME!
In a lot of his scenes in X men First Class I thought Fassy would make an excellent Bond, but I think you’re right. I don’t think it’d be his sort of thing.
Elba would be amazing, but like a lot of people upthread have said, I don’t think many people are ready for Bond (a constantly evolving character) to be black.
I love Tom Hardy as well but I think he’s a bit too short.
“I don’t think many people are ready for Bond (a constantly evolving character) to be black.” Really, I think you are WAY off!
Fassbender always looks extremely uncomfortable in a formal suit.
That alone disqualifies him from playing Bond.
I totally agree with you,Christina. Fassbender is not the type of man who feels comfortable a suit. He’s more to an informal clothes.
Idris Elba is my winner. He’s handsome, sexy and has the right type to play Bond.I’d love to see it!!
Of the three, Idris is the best choice. Thinking outside of the box really worked with Craig. Having Idris Elba play James Bond might just be the ticket to keeping the franchise fresh.
I clicked on this only for the Hardy. Mmm…Hardy. Me gusta. BUT, though the man can act his ass off, he’s a bit too short. So by default, it’s Elba. I don’t like the other two.
And I absolutely HATE Craig as Bond. Absolutely hate.
My vote goes to Elba, I loooooove him. I think there might be a race issue only here in US, everywhere else wouldn’t have a problem w/ him being Bond.
Well I think David Tennant would make a good Bond. He would be my first choice. I would LOVE to see Idris as Bond but I’m not looking forward to the ensuing “controversy” it could potentially cause. Fassy would make a great Bond too but I see what Kaiser is saying, it could be a prison for him. I’m not seeing Colin Firth, I think he is way too polished at this point to be a good Bond.
Honestly, Craig is my favorite Bond atm. He’s even beating out Sean Connery. He brings a rugged intensity that I love to the Bond character. I can identify more with Bond as a rugged beer drinking 21st century MI6 agent.
Off topic: Is it my impression or Tom Hiddles is going through a heartbreak? Some of his “song of the day” choices are beautiful, but so sad too…
i think that’s just his taste in music hun. As much as i love him, whimsical hipster music leaves a little to be desired….Bon Iver *ick*
We had a fight and I’ve stopped talking to him for 10days now. 😉
Elba all the way! Love this guy. He’s sexy, has that cool James Bond thing going already. Sadly, I doubt they’ll pick him. They’ll go with the same old white guy. Not Fassie or Tom. They’re not hunky enough. All I can say is that if they pick Sam, I will not go. The guy just can’t act!
Two more movies yet, five-ish more years, and why is it a foregone conclusion that Craig will not renew? A lot can change in five years. Seems way too soon to be even thinking about this. It’s like asking who’s going to star in the reboot of The Hobbit before the first one even comes out.
Forward planning and risk management. As you say, a lot can change in five years, and they not only have to be prepared well in advance for the likely event of Craig bowing out as scheduled, but also – heaven forfend – the possibility of his being unable to continue due to death, illness or pulling a Tiger Woods / Mel Gibson.
Fassy! Ginger Bond! Actually, I’d rather see LiLo as Bond than Tom Hardy. I just don’t like him. Elba is good, too.
Idris Elba is too old and WILL be too old by the time they’ll be looking for a new Bond.
Tom Hardy is way too rough looking, he looks like he belongs in a council estate in croydon or stevenage.
Michael Fassbender is too known now. Whoever plays Bond needs to be kind of unknown yet still famous enough to have acted in movies.
Out of the three of them Fassbender would be the one to pull it off but like I said, he’s too famous now which will make the audience not believe him as the character since his face is too known now.
Idris looks all of 35 to me. He looks nowhere near his age. Fassbender looks older than Idris IMO.
IDRIS ELBA!
Robert Pattinson………….”Bond James Bond”.I want my James Bond handsome young and cute,not stocky oldie and bummy looking/
Remember all the fuss about a BLOND Bond ?
I would love to see Elba as 007 ( suit ? check, hot? check ) but let’s face it, a black Bond is not going to happen soon. Producers are not comfortable outside the white male hero zone.
On a different topic, all my support for our american celebitches, during this difficult time.
Had you included a shot of Danny Craig in with these gentlemen, I might have had to write today off as a complete loss, productivity-wise.
Ah heck, I might have to do that anyways…
Yeah, I want to see a shot of Daniel Craig. As James Bond. I had no faith he could cut it, but he sure proved me wrong.
Love Tom but Idris Elba would be a perfect Bond.
Fassbender is a no no, he is gonna be an oscar winner very soon. He doesnt need Bond. I dont agree on Hardy. Hardy is open to big franchises. He just did bat man and mad max back to back. I dont see him as someone who only does “interesting things” the way Fassbender does. Fassbender is much more uncompromising and marching to the beat of his own drum Idris Elba is wonderful actor with great elegance and physicality. He could make a great Bond. But they better hurry up. I think he is roughly the same age as Craig so if they wait to long he will be too old.
Idris!! I could totally see it. I haven’t watched many Bond movies lately, but I’d definitely watch one if he were in it. Stringer Bell!
I’m so Damn torn I love them all but Fassy has my heart forever. But Sam , Tom and Idris are all tied for second . Off subject I can’t wait to see Skyfall . Any more news at all on Naomie Harris ? I loved her in 28 days later . 🙂
Idris Elba ALL THE WAY, HANDS DOWN. No one else does it for me. He’s the one I can most see as a Bond. I do go back and forth whether he’d be too old though. But then again, maybe it depends on the script and what they want to do with the stories. I still think he could pull it off. He’s got depth somehow that suits Bond’s backstory. A two-picture deal would be worth it, with a good script and good direction, good cast members and co-stars. I think they could pull it off… And let’s face it, the Bond movies have always been about the eye candy for men and woman, as much as anything else.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the next Bond. Daniel Craig is signed for 2 more. Johnson will be late 20s by the time those next two will be made.
Elba and yellow tooth Fassy would make great Bond bad guys however.
YES to Fassy being a Bond villian!!! I want to see him verbally spar with Craig & Dench. I still recall my first glimpse of Sean Bean in Goldeneye. My heart stopped beating momentarily, I clutched my friend and said “oh my god, who is that man?”
In most of the Bond movies, the villians have the best roles!
That is exactly what I was thinking of. A comparison to Sean Bean, as a former 00 agent who went bad. I could see Fassy as a totally corrupt, decadent ex-spy bent on world destruction for the sheer fun of it all.
oh, i just thoguht of aaron, as well, prior to reading your comment. though i like Idris as a choice, a lot!
None of the Above!
Henry Cavill gets my vote
He was nearly hired the last time around. Even though he was in his early 20s at the time. I think he could get the job the next time. Unless Superman is a huge hit. Hard to have two huge franchises.
Cavill will need to take some acting lessons if he hopes to land the role. Beautiful man, horrible actor.
hardy is not a bond type.
Idris would be AWESOME!!!!
fassbender for bond? meh.
i’m not feeling it….
Idris FTW.
Sam Worthington doesn’t even get a look in.
The other 3 guys would all be excellent Bonds. Anyone would be better than Grumpy Troll Face Craig however!
I still wish that Clive Owen had played Bond. He was MADE for that role.
Idris first
Tom second
Mike F third
and I would be super okay with all of them in the same movie together. Hot damn 🙂
I saw the movie Prometheus over the weekend and it’s the first time I have ever seen Idris Elba in any movie and I must say I certainly do understand why all the ladies go crazy for him.
Do yourself a favor and Instant Que “Luther” in your Netflix. The guy’s an amazing actor.
Oh and when young Tom Hiddleston grows up he should be next. Can you imagine a filled-out, mature Tom?
ooh YES! he’d be prefect
Gerard Butler! Pure man!
Please. Idris Elba as James Bond. Are these people crazy???
…cause that would be straight cinematic porn. Think of all the wet seats.
OMG Idris Elba! Now THAT is a man.
Loved him in his series, Luther
Elba hands f–ing down.. No contest!!!
Out of the three, I’d say Idris would make the best Bond. I do like Daniel Craig as Bond though.
It MUST be Fassbender! He is the only one to make Bond a sexual predator/killer.
You should check out ‘The Wire’, Elba is the very definition of those terms.
I love Craig as Bond but out of these three men, Idris Elba is best the choice by far.
If not him…how about Game of Thrones Richard Madden? He might be a little young now but by the time Craig is done, he might be the right age. He definitely has the looks and talent for it.
IDRIS!!! Or Chiwetel Ejiofor! He’d be amazing, as well!
Idris Elba all the way. The man’s got PRESENCE.
Daniel Craig go away Now! Bring on Fassbender. All of you who say he wouldn’t cut it are WRONG! IF, and only if Fass doesn’t get it it should go to Elba.
Not sure if they have a rule against a non-Brit, but I think they have GOT to choose Sam Worthington as the next Bond. He’s gorgeous, charming, has the right look, the right voice, and he’ll be right around the perfect age by the time they’re ready to replace Daniel Craig.
And if it makes any difference, I personally would purchase my first ever ticket to a Bond film if they cast Worthington. I have very little interest in the franchise, but I’d become a loyal fan just to see that hottie!
I think it’s ironic as hell that so many people were up in arms about a blond being cast as James Bond considering that Bond is actually blond in Fleming’s original book….Casino Royale, anyway.
Idris Alba is the man! Plus they need to take James Bond in another direction. Daniel Craig has been great but Idris will take it to another level. He is great at comedy but with Luther he has showed a tortured side that Craig has only hinted at. I don’t want him to be tortured at killing people.
Idris Alba is sexier than Daniel Craig.
Neither of them.
I want Damian Lewis: ginger Bond for me!
what about that blonde hottie that played Thor? Is that too young? He seems like he could whoop some butt!
My butt hehe
You guys are all crazy….hello??
John Mayer, James Franco and Justin Theroux are probably all available.
Levi Johnston too!
🙂
It’s pretty safe to say that the chances of a black, asian, Indian or female Bond are slim to none. Also under the category of “never going to happen” is a James Bond with a French, Spanish, Cockney or American accent.
For the record, James Bond was described by Ian Fleming as being the son of a Scottish father and a Franco-Swiss mother and who resembles Hoagy Carmichael a bit. That would tend to exclude anyone who isn’t a white male. I don’t think that can really be called racism or sexism. If they ever do a remake of “Shaft”, they’re not going to cast a white female as John Shaft either. In both cases, the parameters of the character are not that flexible.
They have been pushing Idris ALba for some time
Now to be the next Bond now, don’t think it’s gonna happen
British actor Max Ryan should be the next Bond.