Even if Elba doesn’t become the first black 007, there’s still plenty of other actors who could carry the Bond franchise and even refresh and updated this classic character. (Photo: WENN)
Idris Elba has been linked to James Bond since the rumor mill began, and it’s easy to see why. He’s British, he’s handsome, and has an impressive resumé. Just give the man the role already! (Photo: WENN)
Hollywood veteran Diane Keaton said it herself: James Norton would be a terrific Bond. “He’s got everything that you need. First of all, he’s extremely attractive, very smart, he’s well educated, and he’s a fantastic actor.” (Photo: WENN)
Tom Hardy is box office, pure and simple. He would bring a dangerous edge and devastating talent to the character. The role might be too mainstream for the independent-minded Hardy—but who knows! (Photo: WENN)
The first brown Bond sounds like a good idea with Riz Ahmed. He has a jawline sharp enough to cut Bond’s enemies on. Plus, Riz is up to stretching the mold of what “traditional archetypes.” (Photo: WENN)
Not only has Tom been very open about his desire to play the legendary super spy, but also, red carpet after red carpet, the ever-stylish Holland has proven that he sure knows how to rock a tuxedo. (Photo: WENN)
Dev Patel’s star has been rising recently thanks to his critically acclaimed role in “Lion.” He’s proven that he’s got the acting chops to take the role—and he’s definitely got the looks to be one hella hot Bond. (Photo: WENN)
Tom Hiddleston is tall, charming, well dressed and has a built-in fan base. Not only that, but Tom has also already made a success of playing a beguiling spy. A public job application for the role! (Photo: WENN)
Michael Fassbender is one of Hollywood’s heavy weights who are most likely to take on the classic role of 007. Revisit his scene-stealing Lieutenant Archi Hicox in “Inglorious Basterds” and see why he appears to be the perfect choice. (Photo: WENN)
He denies he wants the role—but so did Daniel Craig. Cillian Murphy is an outstanding actor and every impressive character under his resumé has proved he’s got more than it takes to play the eminent role. (Photo: WENN)
The name is Anderson, Gillian Anderson. She actually took to social media to back herself as the new “double 0” agent. After years of strange goings on “X-Files”, we know she is one woman who can’t be stirred—and that she can pull off a pant-suit! (Photo: WENN)
The actor caused a huge stir on Twitter after posting a selfie with the caption “My name’s Elba, Idris Elba,”—and obvious notch to James Bond, the role in which he could potentially succeed Daniel Craig.
But then, Elba followed his cryptic tweet with a photo of Public Enemy and accompanying quote from them: “Don’t believe the HYPE…”
Whether Idris Elba is keeping the James Bond rumors alive—or killing them softly—it’s a little hard to tell. But rest assure, because, even if he doesn’t become the first black 007, there’s still plenty of other actors who could carry the Bond franchise for many years to come and even refresh and updated this classic character.
From front runner Idris Elba, to first brown “double 0” Riz Ahmed, to actress Gillian Anderson (the names is Bond, Jane Bond), here’s a list of 10 actors who could totally don a tuxedo and take on the 007 mantle.