Who will be the next James Bond? Here are our picks for the top contender

Even since actor Daniel Craig announced that he’s hanging up his tuxedo with ‘No Time To Die’, the question that’s been keeping fans up at night is ­–­ Who will be the next James Bond? The 25th film of the James Bond franchise hits theatres after multiple pandemic-induced delays, and it will be the final outing for our martini-sipping secret agent. Obviously, rumour mills have gone into overdrive on who will step into 007’s shoes after Daniel Craig. Here are our favourites for the next Bond.

Also watch | Daniel Craig about future 007 casting: 'never said it should not be a woman'

Will Lashana Lynch be the first female Bond?

Actress Lashana Lynch plays agent 006 in the future Bond films, and looks like the most obvious choice to carry the legacy as Bond. Also, it’s about time we have a woman as Bond. Lynch is a British actor, she is best known for playing the role of Rosaline Capulet in the ABC period drama series ‘Still Star-Crossed’ and fighter pilot Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’. Lashana Lynch says the next Bond could be a man or a woman, they could be white, black, Asian, or mixed race, young or old. So, we are hoping that door is still open.

Also watch | Watch: Daniel Craig gets emotional as he bids farewell to James Bond role

Will fan favourite Idris Elba be the next James Bond?

London-born actor Idris Elba has been one of the most talked-about potential replacements for Daniel Craig in recent years. Epitome of suave, Elba is a fan favourite for the role. Through his body of work, he has also demonstrated some serious action-man credentials. In 2018, he sent the industry into a frenzy with a single tweet: “My name’s Elba, Idris Elba.” Not just that, in April this year, Elba revealed that even his mother was confident of him landing the role.

Regé-Jean Page | From Duke of Hastings to James Bond?

Regé-Jean Page set millions of hearts aflutter with Netflix hit 'Bridgerton' over the past year. This young British-Zimbabwean actor is another favourite to be the next James Bond. He has been also been quite honest about the idea. Well, the women aren’t complaining, if you ask us.

Henry Golding | Will fans get the first Asian James Bond?

'Crazy Rich Asians' star Henry Golding is the first actor of Asian descent who has been rumoured to be in the running to play the British spy. The British-Malaysian actor in an interview admitted that he was “honoured” to even be considered for the role of 007. Golding says, Bond is one of the greatest film roles ever, and someone would be stupid to be say no to it.

Richard Madden | Will the Game of Thrones star bag another franchise?

Game of Thrones star Richard Madden could just find his way into another major film franchise, if bookies in England are to be believed. Richard Madden, aka Robb Stark on GoT, is also another front-runner to play James Bond once Daniel Craig calls it a day. His potential for bagging the coveted role went up after his award-winning performance in Netflix show, 'Bodyguard'. However, Madden feels with the debut of every young British actor, he becomes the next favourite for James Bond.

Next James Bond? Some honourable mentions

British actor, Henry Cavill is also one of the most popular names in contention to play James Bond in the future. Cavil has already played Superman aka Clark Kent in the DC films. He’s also been a part of several spy-action thrillers including ‘Mission: Impossible 6’ and ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E’.

Tom Hardy has the critics in his kitty, for films like The Revenant and Mad Max. Although he has played the Batman’s nemesis Bane in DC film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, fans feel he has the rugged handsomeness, and can turn on the charm as well.

For now, lips are sealed at Bond HQ. James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli says, “You can only be in love with one person at a time. And for now, we just cannot think about anything beyond Daniel."