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Tom Hardy is bookies favourite to be the next James Bond after 'No Time To Die'

Who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond? (Alamy)
Who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond? (Alamy)

With Daniel Craig’s last outing as James Bond in No Time To Die finally heading into cinemas next week, thoughts are turning into who will replace him.

Traditionally, in 67-year history of the super spy, the role has been played by a white male actor, and according to William Hill, it’s odds on for this to continue, with Tom Hardy tipped to step into Bond’s shiny shoes next.

But he’s not the only name that’s been thrown in the ring since Craig’s announcement was made.

Read more: Five-time James Bond composer David Arnold shares his favourite 007 musical cues

Craig has played Bond since 2006, appearing in five films overall: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die.

Here are the odds for who will be the next 007.

Tom Hardy 5/2

Tom Hardy arrives at the �Venom� Los Angeles Premiere held at the Regency Village Theater in Westwood, CA on Monday, October 1, 2018. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA)
Tom Hardy at the 2018 Venom premiere (Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA)

Hardy has refused to speak about any involvement in the Bond franchise, despite his name being attached since 2017. However, he already has established roles in other blockbuster hits.

Most recently, he stars as Eddie Brock/Venom in the Marvel’s Venom series, with rumours he could be brought into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in upcoming installments.

Read more: Tom Hardy 'would do anything' to make Venom face Tom Holland's Spider-Man

Nonetheless, he has been marked as a favourite, coming in at 5/2.

Rege-Jean Page 3/1

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Rege-Jean Page during filming for the Graham Norton Show at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. Picture date: Thursday February 4, 2021.
Rege-Jean Page has been rumoured since leaving 'Bridgerton' (BBC)

The Bridgerton breakthrough star would be groundbreaking in the role of 007, making him the first actor of colour to play the spy.

Despite his astronomical success in the Netflix series, speculation grew when he suddenly announced he wouldn’t return to the Regency-era show for a second season.

He is set to star in upcoming films including the Dungeons and Dragons live-action film.

Read more: Regé-Jean Page responds to report claiming he wasn't cast in show because he's Black

James Norton 3/1

James Norton arriving for a special screening of Nowhere Special at the Curzon Mayfair in London. Picture date: Tuesday July 6, 2021.
James Norton is also one of the favourites to play Bond (PA)

With the same odds as Page, Grantchester actor Norton has most recently been seen in McMafia.

Speaking about his potential involvement, Norton told Metro.co.uk: “I’m a type one diabetic. How cool would it be to have a diabetic Bond?

“It would be wonderful for all those diabetic kids out there to think even a type one diabetic could be Bond! Other than that, I’d leave it to Daniel and the writers to carry on the legacy.”

Luke Evans 6/1

Cast member Luke Evans attends the premiere of
Luke Evans said he would 'jump at the chance' to play Bond (REUTERS/Phil McCarten)

The Welsh actor has said he would “jump at the chance” to take on the role.

Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “I think I've cut my teeth very well in movies I've done and I've enjoyed every second of it. It's a phenomenal job, a phenomenal franchise, an incredible role.

“​​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.”

Idris Elba 8/1

(FILE) Idris Elba Tests Positive for Coronavirus COVID-19. Idris Elba has tested positive for coronavirus, the actor said on Monday, March 16, 2020 on Twitter. HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA - NOVEMBER 10: Actor Idris Elba arrives at the AFI FEST 2013 - 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' Special Screening held at American Cinematheque's Egyptian Theatre on November 10, 2013 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Sipa USA)
Idris Elba has long-been rumoured to play Bond after Craig leaves (Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Sipa USA)

Elba has been a long-attached fan favourite to replace Craig as the secret agent, however he’s seemingly keen to distance himself from the rumours.

“I know the rumours about Bond have always chased me,” he told Radio1 Xtra. “Listen, my poor mum is like ‘One day you’re going to get it!’ I was like ‘Mum, I’m good, I’ve got Luther!’ I’m definitely doing that.”

Read more: 'Luther' creator responds to BBC diversity chief claims Idris Elba show 'not Black enough to be real'

And just last week, it was confirmed that he is making a return to Luther for a one-off Netflix movie.

He also joined the DC Universe as Bloodsport in this year's The Suicide Squad.

So if he is playing Bond, there may be a wait.

Henry Cavill 8/1

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 16 2019: Henry Cavill attends the world premiere of 'The Witcher' at VUE Leicester Square in London. (Photo by James Warren / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
Henry Cavill is the leading man in franchises including 'Superman' and 'The Witcher' (James Warren / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

Finally, Henry Cavill is the final top star in the running to be an odds-on favourite.

He even auditioned for Casino Royale, but lost out on the role to Craig, so it may be a case of second time lucky?

However, he is also heavily attached to other franchises - this includes Superman as the Man of Steel himself, and Netflix’s The Witcher as leading man Geralt of Rivera.

Other James Bond odds

Suranne Jones during the filming for the Graham Norton Show at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening.
Suranne Jones is the favourite to be James Bond if there's a female replacement (BBC)
  • Female James Bond: 11/2

  • Suranne Jones: 9/1

  • Lashana Lynch: 10/1

  • Henry Golding: 25/1

  • Jodie Comer: 200/1

Watch: No Time To Die: New Agents (UK Featurette)