In an incredible run, English actor Daniel Craig has played 007 in the James Bond films for 15 years, but when No Time To Die comes out later in 2021, he plans to say goodbye to the iconic role. Based on looks alone, fans of the franchise weren't initially convinced of his suitability for the role, but he quickly won us over (and then some), and his name is now just as synonymous with the fictional super-sleuth as Sean Connery, who originated the character in 1962. We don't think the franchise itself will be coming to an end anytime soon, though, and that means the hunt is on for a new Bond.
There are tons of actors out there who we bet would love the chance to play 007, but the bar has been set quite high. The Bond films are action films, yes, but historically only the highest caliber of talent has made it into the films. From Sean Connery to Dame Judy Dench as "M," the casts of these movies never disappoint.
So which actors do we think have both the screen presence and the acting chops to step into Daniel's shoes and make the character of James Bond his own? We're glad you asked. The casting team for the next film undoubtedly has a huge task ahead of them, but we think that if they do choose to go with an already established celebrity, any of these 17 actors would do a stand-up job as the brilliant, glamorous, and witty James Bond.
Idris Elba
We'll just go ahead and get this one out of the way. Between his good looks, lush accent, and serious skills in front of the camera, Idris Elba has arguably been one of the most-buzzed-about potential replacements for Daniel Craig since he announced he wouldn't be reprising his role as James Bond. We honestly think Idris would be a solid pick, and a nice switch-up for the franchise.
Henry Cavill
Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill certainly has the looks to play James Bond and the British accent to boot. Plus, he's proven himself in the action genre over the past few years, and we think he'd fit right into the role. Although on the other hand, he's a big man, and it's kind of tricky to be stealthy when you're his size.
Andrew Lincoln
Now that Andrew Lincoln is a few seasons separated from his leading role on AMC's long-running post-apocalyptic drama The Walking Dead, he seems freed up enough to take on the role of Bond, no? It would be something quite a bit different for him, but he's proven to be a truly versatile actor with everything from romantic comedies to horror flicks on his resume.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch would not be the typical Bond, that's for sure, but his skill as an actor is incredible and after he nailed his role as Doctor Strange, we're pretty sure he could do anything. He would definitely bring a more sensitive, less hard-edged vibe to the franchise, and we're kinda into that idea.
Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston, too, would be an interesting pick for the role of the lengendery MI-6 agent. The Golden Globe winner knows his way around an action film and has even had a taste of the spy genre starring in the riveting miniseries The Night Manager, based on the John Le Carré novel of the same name.
James McAvoy
We have such an affinity for British actor James McAvoy. Even though he sometimes plays seriously creepy and messed-up characters, he's totally charming and the man can really act. He definitely has the charisma to pull it off, and he would bring something special to the role of Bond.
Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender looks the part, doesn't he? He's very suave and debonair and can take on a serious role like that of 007 with seeming ease. He's not British, though — he's actually Irish and German — so he'd have to nail the accent if he were to even attempt playing such a quintessentially British character.
Charlie Hunnam
English heartthrob Charlie Hunnam has yet to nab a standout role since his hit FX show Sons of Anarchy came to a close in 2014, and the lead in the Bond movies would definitely take his career to the next level. We're positive that with the right material, his acting abilities could shine.
Jude Law
Jude Law is another big name that's been talked about as a possibility to play James Bond for what seems like forever. He definitely has the right air about him and he's an excellent actor. But being that it hasn't happened after all these years, we're not convinced he's even remotely interested.
Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy is quirky and he often takes on quirky roles. James Bond would be a bit of a departure for him, but we think he would handle it with a lot of swag. He's naturally charming, but still tough and kind of hardcore. He just might be able to bring some fresh energy to the franchise.
Richard Madden
Scottish actor Richard Madden kind of looks exactly like he should play James Bond. Besides being Scottish like the very first Bond actor, he's on the young side and could bring a bit of youthfulness to the next iteration of the franchise, allowing him to truly step into a role he can make his own. And he certainly proved he can nail the action genre in the Brit miniseries Bodyguard.
Dev Patel
If they really want to shake up the franchise, we think English actor Dev Patel would be perfect. He would obviously change the look of 007, but honestly, with his acting talents we doubt anyone could take issue with it for long. At just 31, he's racked up quite a few career accolades, including Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG award nominations.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
English actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is best known for his roles in superhero flicks including 2010's Kick-Ass. He's on the young side to play Bond, so it could really cement his place in Hollywood, and it would be a great opportunity to freshen up the franchise with some new blood.
Henry Golding
Another interesting potential shake-up for the Bond franchise could be to cast Crazy Rich Asian's Henry Golding as 007. Daniel Craig proved that Bond doesn't have to look one certain way, and we think it's about time to diversify. Henry would be one of several non-white, non-British actors who could take on the role with panache.
Sam Heughan
We see you, Sam Heughan. And we think you look a lot like a contender for the role of James Bond. Sam's starring roles in the adventure series Outlander and in the action-thriller SAS: Red Notice have certainly prepared him for something like the Bond franchise. It would definitely be a career-cementing move for the Scottish actor.
Nicholas Hoult
English actor Nicholas Hoult, who has appeared in films including Warm Bodies and Mad Max: Fury Road, is another young actor we could totally see taking on the role of James Bond and doing it justice for many years — and films — to come. He has so much potential, and picking up Bond now could be a huge boon for his career.
John Boyega
One thing we know is that English actor and producer John Boyega actually really wants to star as James Bond. Though he's honestly still a bit young for the role, he said in 2018 that down the line he would love the opportunity. The Star Wars alum should have plenty of experience under his belt within a few years.
