The next James Bond? Aaron Taylor-Johnson leads the 007 race

The race of the Brits. The top names in the running to become the next James Bond, after Daniel Craig stepped down, have emerged from the British Isles. We start with Aaron Taylor-Johnson who is currently the favourite to take the role.

The 32 year old is, as Screenrant says, 'young but not too young'. He could actually be a great choice for the role having a number of comedy/action blockbusters under his belt. He ticks all the boxes but his upcoming commitments, including the shooting of 'Kraven the Hunter' may get in the way of filming something as big as James Bond.

He has a classic British name and is a wonderful British actor, having made a name for himself in film. From the view of the bookies, this gentlemen is up there in the race of becoming the next James Bond.

James Norton is a Londoner known for roles in the British television series 'Happy Valley', 'Grantchester', 'War & Peace' and 'McMafia'. He earned a British Academy Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2015 for his performance as ex-convict Tommy Lee Royce in 'Happy Valley'. He does suave gentleman VERY well.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said, according to Daily Express: "Henry Cavill and James Norton are slowly beginning to pull away at the head of the Bond betting," and they are leaving behind some other big names in the running.

Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill is known for his portrayal of Charles Brandon in Showtime's 'The Tudors' and, of course, as DC character Superman in the DC Extended Universe. More recently we remember him as Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix fantasy series 'The Witcher' (2019–present). "It’d be awesome to play Bond, a classic Bond, really," Cavill told Men’s Fitness. "I don’t think I’d be the person to outdo Daniel Craig at doing Daniel Craig’s Bond."

The speculation as to who is going to be the next Bond has been going on for a long time now. Barbara Broccoli, the James Bond producer, told Deadline's Crew Call podcast that any announcement of the new James Bond is a way off.

Photo: MGM

"We're reinventing who he [007] is, and that takes time," she said. "There isn't a script and we can't come up with one until we decide how we're going to approach the next film."

So really, it's really anyone's guess; but with names like Tom Hardy, Richard Madden and Cillian Murphy in the race, one thing is for sure: the new Bond will not be a disappointment. Read on to see the rest of the names in the list.

Daniel Craig had celebrated his final James Bond premiere in a fashionable pink suit jacket. 'No Time To Die' was the 25th movie in the series. With Craig retiring, the next 007 adventure will feature another actor as everybody's favorite spy.

Some say Daniel Craig is the ‘best’ Bond ever, although many greats have taken on the role and each has created the character in their own way.

Craig has appeared in four James Bond films, and each has been linked to a dark past that Bond is carrying around with him.

Pierce Brosnan has also played the 007 agent in a total of four films. Films which, according to many, are some of the most memorable. 'GoldenEye,' 'Tomorrow Never Dies,' 'The World is Not Enough' and 'Die Another Day.'

Roger Moore has appeared in a staggering 7 Bond films. Is he the best-known actor as 007? His film 'Moonraker' had a mixed reception by critics, mainly because of the strange plot where Bond heads out into space. But he took on the role confidently until his final films where, even according to Moore, he was too old to play the part.

Sean Connery declared that "Bond should be played by an actor 35, 33 years old. I'm too old. Roger's too old, too!" Roger Moore, at the time, agreed with Connery, and in a December 2007 interview, he said, "I was only about four hundred years too old for the part."

Sean Connery, like Roger Moore, played 007 in a whopping 7 films. The ‘original’ James Bond, Connery covered classic films such as 'Dr No,' 'From Russia with Love,' 'Goldfinger' and 'Thunderball'; as well as 'Diamonds are Forever,' which produced one of the most famous Bond theme tunes.

Earlier this year, several media reported that Tom Hardy had been cast as James Bond behind closed doors. In the end, that was not the case and the rumors appeared to be false. He has slipped in the runnings according to the bookies but that doesn't mean he is out of the race.

Tom Hardy has been, for a long time, one of the bookies' favorites to play the next Bond. He has everything you would want in a Bond: charm, sex appeal, and just about the right amount of rugged good looks too. Definitely, an A-list star who often plays the villain, but we all know he can turn on the charm at the click of a finger. But, at this moment, he is not in the top spot as favorite to take over Daniel Craig.

Now, Page has risen through the ranks to become a favorite for playing the man of mystery. Rege-Jean Page is a British actor known for the 2016 miniseries 'Roots,' in which he played Chicken George, and for the Netflix period drama 'Bridgerton' in 2020.

He made a big impression in 'Bridgerton' as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, and won the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series NAACP Image Award. He won't be in the second season, however, which has led many to conclude he's departing for something big…

Also one to watch, according to Ladbrokes, is Chiwetel Ejiofor. A very accomplished actor with a mighty impressive CV. Most recently we saw him in 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness', but his greatest role has to be his portrayal of Solomon Northup in '12 Years a Slave'.

Naomie Harris, who played Moneypenny in the film series alongside Daniel Craig said, "We were walking the red carpet yesterday and apparently Chiwetel's name is on the list of people to be the next Bond. I didn't know this but I'm down for that!" she said according to Digital Spy. She's got your back, Chiwetel!

History has told us the 007 franchise rarely goes for the obvious and some suggestions for the role have been much more surprising than others. Earlier on in the speculations, the name that was on everyone's lips was 'Peaky Blinders' star, Joe Cole. Pushing Cillian Murphy out of the running. The Express investigated the bookies' odds and why he could be a serious contender for the role.

Photo: BBC

Joe Cole appeared in four years of the hit TV show, 'Peaky Blinders' before he confessed after leaving: "With Peaky Blinders, I never really got out of the gates in that role. It’s Cillian’s show really. This show is more ensemble, it follows characters on a deep level." Is the actor in the shadows waiting to take the spotlight?

A spokesperson for Ladbrokes told Express Online: "The odds suggest that Joe Cole might soon be swapping Harry Palmer’s trenchcoat and glasses for James Bond’s tuxedo. That move also means there's an increasing chance the next 007 will have links to Peaky Blinders, with no less than three stars of the hit BBC show now attracting interest from punters."

A surprising addition to the list of contenders for the role. Not only is Pitt American, but surely Bond is a role rather unlike anything he has played before? Although, when you picture him suited-up, he certainly does have a Bond-esque aura about him.

Well, that would certainly make for an interesting James Bond... Undeniably, DiCaprio would bring many deeper and darker elements to the character and look dapper whilst driving nice cars.

His next big role is as Theodore Roosevelt in the 2023 film, 'Roosevelt,' so he may have his hands full with that project for the time being: his aim seems to be a second Oscar-winning performance.

Tom Holland told Variety that "as a young British lad who loves cinema, I’d love to be James Bond. So, you know, I’m just putting that out there. I look pretty good in a suit."

Having begun his acting career on stage, as Billy Elliot in the musical of the same name, Holland achieved global stardom for portraying Spiderman in the Marvel superhero films. In 2017, 20-year-old Holland won the BAFTA Rising Star Award, becoming the second-youngest recipient at that time. He may still be a bit young for the 007 part, however.

Irishman Cillian Murphy boasts an impressive CV. He started his performing career as the lead singer, pianist, and songwriter of a rock band named The Sons of Mr. Green Genes but then began acting on stage and in short and independent films.

He has played comedy roles, a trans woman, thriller villains such as The Scarecrow in 'Batman', a war hero, and, of course, Mr. Shelby in 'Peaky Blinders'. He’s got it all, including those incredible, smoldering blue eyes.

Thor to Bond? It’s possible. Perhaps the most handsome chap on our list, Hemsworth certainly has the physique to play a 007 agent. Despite being Australian, he is absolutely in the running for the role.

Hemsworth even made a strong case for himself, telling ‘Balance’: "I don’t think you’ll ever meet anyone who doesn’t want to have a crack at James Bond. I’d love to do it." And many would like to see it.

Once a teen crush for many, Robert Pattinson is now the star of blockbusters like 'Tenet' and 'The Batman.' In fact, his role in 'Tenet' seems to be a James Bond audition tape. He does ‘spy’ incredibly well. He also pulls off a double-breasted suit even better than Roger Moore.

His performance in 'Homeland' will be remembered for a long time. Mr. Lewis would bring a deep and profound side to Bond, which was already a goal for the character in previous films.

Damian Lewis is one of the oldest actors on our list. He has an air of class and elegance that a ‘brawler’ might not be able to carry off.

Is it time to bring a Scotsman back to the role? Sam Heughan thinks it is. Bringing the ‘Connery’ factor back, Heughan himself reckons it's time: "I think any actor who says they wouldn’t, would be lying, and I think it’s time we have a Scottish Bond again," he told STV News when asked about playing 007. Sam Heughan actually previously auditioned for Bond and lost out to Daniel Craig.

According to The Sun, Madden has caught the eye of Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. "It’s seriously looking like he [Madden] is going to get the job," The Sun speculates. "Not only is he on top of Barbara’s list, but she is preparing to offer the role."

Richard Madden is a Scottish actor from a town near Glasgow. He has played ‘Romeo-esque’ characters a lot, including Robb Stark in the famous 'Game of Thrones,' but he stepped out of his comfort zone for ‘The Bodyguard’ where he won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the war veteran and Protection Officer. His recent performance in Marvel's 'Eternals' make him a great choice indeed.

Although Fassbender has a long list of award-winning performances to his name, he hasn’t shown up recently or been particularly memorable in much since ‘Inglourious Basterds.’ Yet, the Irish-German actor has proved he can deliver intensity and charisma. He is also incredibly handsome and completely owns a tuxedo.

Fassbender revealed that he'd had conversations with Barbara Broccoli and that the film should possibly go in a different direction, perhaps a younger Bond in training. Since he's only 45, we are still keeping him on the list.

Now here is a man with some rugged looks and serious talent. The Northern Irish actor’s name has come up in conversations around the future Bond ever since his 'Fifty Shades' days. There’s also the very important point that the former Calvin Klein model would own the Bond suit and absolutely pull off that classic Bond glare and smile.

He's the God of Mischief. Tom Hiddleston is the third Marvel actor to make it onto the Bond list. It must be due to the ability to look all-powerful and put up a good fight. Hiddleston has played an MI5 agent already in the hit BBC show 'The Night Manager', but he is currently very busy with his own Loki tv series, which has received huge critical acclaim.

When he was asked about 007-rumors on a panel in Philadelphia, he said: "I don’t think that announcement is coming, but I am very gratified to hear the enthusiasm. Your guess is as good as mine, to be honest."

Daniel Kaluuya has taken the world by storm, being the winner of the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Critics' Choice Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Judas and the Black Messiah'. Could he be Bond material?

Kaluuya has proven he can act, he can fight, and he can play the loyal, steadfast character that everyone wants and needs. It could be.

Luke Evans’ odds just keep improving. The 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Beauty and the Beast' star is handsome with just a little ‘rugged around the edges.’ Some say that's the perfect combination to play Bond.

Evans said he would ‘love’ to take on the role but added, “I have to say though, it’s a daunting task for any actor to play the role after Daniel Craig. No one knows what’s happening. It’s a very secretive process and it’s a wonderful role. I would jump at the chance, as would many actors in my position, so we shall see."

Saoirse Ronan’s other half, Jack Lowden, has donned a suave costume or two in 'Mary Queen of Scots,' but he has also shown his great acting ability in his roles in 'Dunkirk' and 'War & Peace.' Even though he is a strong contender, Lowden isn’t too keen on Daniel Craig giving up the role: "I’m a massive Daniel Craig fan and I don’t think he should ever stop doing it," he said to GP.

'Game of Thrones' star Harington has it all - the looks, the ability to fight, and the experience of playing an MI5 agent. One little problem, though: he doesn’t think he’s right for the job… at least not yet. “God, if they came to me I’d consider it, but I think I’m a little way off that,” the 28-year-old told the Evening Standard.

With two huge franchises already under his belt, Cumberbatch might not be the favorite to grab the role of Bond and start another one. Yet, he does ooze class and he pulls off that icy glare so well. He can be every inch dramatic and elegant - and he could bring a new, intelligent type of fighting style to the role.

This star of 'The Wire' has previously been penned as a favorite to play Bond. He went to audition for the role in 2005, at the same time that Daniel Craig landed the part. Around that time, he didn’t speak too highly of the role: "Until Daniel Craig got that part, the whole Bond franchise was pretty cheesy – the kind of thing I have no interest in at all," he said. Despite these remarks, we’re keeping him on the list.

Although not British, New Zealand actor Karl Urban could absolutely pull off the role of Bond. Many know him from 'Star Trek' or the hit Amazon Prime Video series 'The Boys.' He plays gruff and grumpy well, but also shines with a likable aura allowing many to think he could be right for the role.

What was that, you say? X-Factor-made Harry Edward Styles from One Direction has also made the list.
Who knows? After 'Don't Worry Darling,' Olivia Wilde's film, he could be moving on to the next best thing. Not a real contender but surely a popular choice with young fans.

Another wild card is Gillian Anderson. Even though Barbara Broccoli has said that Bond wouldn’t be a woman, Lashana Lynch did get the 007 title next to Craig as James Bond in 'No Time to Die'. So who knows?

Anderson is already well familiar with playing ‘the agent’ in 'X-Files' and 'The Fall', and she has picked up a number of awards in her career. An experienced actress, she makes thoughtful and multi-layered perceptions of the characters she plays. She also looks good in a suit.

Atomic Blonde? Or should we say Atomic Bond? She has proved she can absolutely handle a car at high speeds and look incredible whilst totally kicking butt.

The South African actress has a way of dispatching the bad guys and she makes it look easy. Another female to add to the list of possible Bonds. But there are some on the list who were strong favourites previously but have publicly announced they won't be playing the role.

According to the Daily Mail, Idris Elba has ruled himself out of being the new James Bond. He made this decision in order to pursue his other projects.

During the premiere of his movie 'The Harder They Fall' Idris had already indicated that he was not going to be the next James Bond.

Elba, the son of working-class immigrants from Sierra Leone, is one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors. He has won awards left right and center for his roles in film and TV. The actor has proved he can play a character with a dark past, for example in his incredible performance in 'Luther.' In addition, he comes with a formidable martial arts ability. It's a shame he won't play 007.