The Top Casting Choices For The Next James Bond Actor

Who is going to be the new James Bond actor after Daniel Craig conclusively wrapped up his tenure with No Time to Die? So who should be the next James Bond actor?

The actors below have been voted by fans as being the best candidates for taking on the 007 persona. Regardless of which actor gets the role, the consensus is that the next Bond after Craig should still be British and dapper. After all, all the previous Bonds, from original Sean Connery to the ’90s Pierce Brosnan have been classy gentlemen.

Vote up your favorite James Bond candidate below. Let’s try to avoid a repeat of the George Lazenby Bond. At least Timothy Dalton got the Bond pose right. Living actors only as this is a casting call for the new James Bond actor, not who would’ve been the best Bond in their own time.

Most divisive: Idris Elba

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  • Birthplace: Jersey, Channel Islands

  Henry Cavill, a British actor best known for his performance as Superman in the DC Extended Universe series, has carved a niche for himself in the world of acting with his charming and charismatic portrayals. Born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands on May 5, 1983, Cavill was educated at St. Michael’s Preparatory School in Saint Saviour, Jersey, then attended Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, England. His acting journey began in school when he landed a role in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which ignited his passion for the performing arts. Cavill’s career took off when he secured a role in The Count of Monte Cristo in 2002. He made his breakthrough in 2007 when he was cast in the Showtime series The Tudors, playing Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. This role brought him international recognition and paved the way for more significant opportunities. In 2013, Cavill stepped into the shoes of the iconic superhero, Superman, in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. His portrayal received widespread acclaim, and he reprised the role in subsequent films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. Apart from his work in the DC Extended Universe, Cavill has showcased his versatility by taking on different genres. He starred in the 2015 action spy film The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and in the 2018 action thriller Mission: Impossible – Fallout. In 2019, he began playing Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix fantasy series The Witcher, a role that has further cemented his status as a leading man in the industry.

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  • Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England, UK

  Tom Hardy, a name synonymous with versatility and intensity in the world of acting, was born Edward Thomas Hardy on September 15, 1977, in Hammersmith, London. Raised in East Sheen, London, Hardy’s early life was shaped by an intriguing blend of privilege and struggle. His mother, Anne, was an artist and painter, while his father, Edward Chips Hardy, was a novelist and comedy writer. This creative environment undoubtedly nurtured Hardy’s artistic inclinations. However, he also battled personal demons, including a period of substance misuse, which he has since overcome. Hardy’s acting career began in earnest when he was cast in the TV miniseries Band of Brothers in 2001. However, it was his role as the villainous Bane in The Dark Knight Rises (2012) that took him to international stardom. Known for his chameleon-like ability to transform himself physically and emotionally for his roles, Hardy has portrayed a diverse range of characters, from the tormented title character in Bronson (2008) to the rugged Max Rockatansky in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). His dedication to his craft is such that he often performs his own stunts, adding a layer of authenticity to his performances. Beyond his acting prowess, Hardy is also known for his philanthropy. He is a patron of the charity Flack, which is dedicated to supporting homeless people in Cambridge, England. He has also worked with organizations like Help for Heroes, Bowel Cancer UK, and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Despite his tough-guy image on-screen, Hardy’s off-screen endeavors reveal a compassion and commitment to social causes that speak volumes about his character.

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  • Birthplace: Douglas, Cork, Ireland

  Cillian Murphy (; born 25 May 1976) is an Irish actor. He began his career performing as a rock musician. After turning down a record deal, he began his acting career in theatre, and in short and independent films in the late 1990s. His first notable roles were in films such as 28 Days Later (2002), Cold Mountain (2003), Intermission (2003), Red Eye (2005) and Breakfast on Pluto (2005), for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy and won an Irish Film and Television Award for Best Actor. Murphy played the character of Jonathan Crane / Scarecrow in the Batman films of The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012). In the mid-late 2000s, he starred in films such as The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006), Sunshine (2007), The Edge of Love (2008), Inception (2010) and Peacock (2010). In 2011, Murphy won the Irish Times Theatre Award for Best Actor and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance for Misterman. He also became patron of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the National University of Ireland Galway. He is closely associated with the work of Professor Pat Dolan, Director UCFRC and UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth and Civic Engagement. In the early 2010s, he appeared in the films In Time (2011), Retreat (2011) and Red Lights (2012). Since 2013, Murphy has portrayed Thomas Shelby, the lead of the BBC gangster series Peaky Blinders, for which he has won two Irish Film and Television Awards for Best Actor – Drama, in 2017 and 2018 respectively. More recently, he has appeared in the films Transcendence (2014), In the Heart of the Sea (2015), Anthropoid (2016) and Dunkirk (2017).

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  • Birthplace: Hackney, England, UK

  Idris Elba, a versatile and charismatic figure in the entertainment industry, is widely recognized for his acting prowess, but also boasts an impressive resume as a producer, musician, and DJ. Born on September 6, 1972, in Hackney, London, Elba was raised in East Ham and began his acting journey at the National Youth Music Theatre, thanks to a grant from the Prince’s Trust. His early career included various roles in British television series, but it was his breakout role as Stringer Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire that propelled him to international fame. Elba’s performance in The Wire showcased his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance, which led to an array of diverse roles across film and television. He mesmerized audiences with his performances in Luther, for which he received multiple award nominations, and Beasts of No Nation, earning a SAG Award for the latter. His portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom further cemented his reputation as a powerhouse actor. Despite his success in dramatic roles, Elba has also shown his versatility with memorable performances in blockbuster franchises such as Thor and Fast & Furious. In addition to his acting career, Elba has made significant contributions to the music industry. A man of many talents, he started his music career as a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis, producing and performing in various genres, including hip hop, soul, and reggae. His musical prowess extends to singing and rapping, often contributing vocals to his own tracks. Elba’s passion for music and acting intersected when he created, produced, and starred in the comedy series In The Long Run, which drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in a multicultural London neighborhood. Idris Elba’s remarkable journey from a young aspiring actor in East London to an internationally recognized multi-talented entertainer serves as an inspirational trajectory for young actors.

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  • Birthplace: Westminster, London, England, UK

  Tom Hiddleston, a name synonymous with versatility and charisma in the acting world, was born on February 9, 1981, in Westminster, London. A product of the Dragon School and Eton College, Hiddleston’s passion for the performing arts led him to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he honed his craft and graduated in 2005. His early career saw him working extensively in theatre, most notably in productions such as Othello and Ivanov, earning him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Newcomer. Hiddleston’s breakthrough came when he was cast in the role of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making his first appearance in the 2011 film Thor. His portrayal of the complex anti-hero character was met with critical acclaim, leading to reprises in multiple sequels and spin-offs, including an eponymous television series. This role not only established his global reputation but also showcased his exceptional range, allowing him to transition seamlessly between high drama and comic relief. Beyond the MCU, Hiddleston’s filmography is diverse, featuring period dramas like War Horse and Midnight in Paris, indie films like Only Lovers Left Alive, and biopics like I Saw the Light, where he played country music legend Hank Williams. In addition to his screen work, Hiddleston has made significant contributions to television, earning a Golden Globe for his leading role in The Night Manager. A multi-talented performer, Tom Hiddleston continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his dynamic portrayals and commitment to his craft.

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  • Birthplace: Heidelberg, Germany

  Michael Fassbender, a multitalented actor of German and Irish descent, is widely recognized for his versatility in roles across multiple genres, from dramas to action thrillers. Born on April 2, 1977, in Heidelberg, Germany, he was raised in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, where he developed an early interest in acting. His parents, Josef Fassbender and Adele Fassbender, supported his passion, leading him to attend the Drama Centre London where he honed his craft. Fassbender’s career took flight with a role in Steven Spielberg’s award-winning television miniseries Band of Brothers in 2001. However, he gained international recognition playing Magneto in the X-Men series, starting with X-Men: First Class in 2011. His portrayal of the complex character earned him critical acclaim and solidified his place in Hollywood. Yet, it was his riveting performance as a sex addict in Steve McQueen’s Shame that established him as a serious dramatic actor, earning him his first BAFTA nomination. Adept at embodying diverse characters, Fassbender has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. His role as a slave owner in 12 Years a Slave garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Moreover, his stunning portrayal of the titular character in Steve Jobs earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Beyond acting, Fassbender co-founded a production company, Finn McCool Films, showcasing his flair for the business side of the industry. Michael Fassbender, with his chameleon-like ability to transform into any character, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

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  • Birthplace: New Galloway, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, UK

  Sam Heughan (; born 30 April 1980) is a Scottish actor, best known for his acclaimed role as Jamie Fraser in the Starz series Outlander, for which he has received four nominations for the Saturn Awards, and a nomination for the Critics Choice Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performer in 2003, for his performance in the play Outlying Islands, performed at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs. Heughan received an honorary doctorate “in recognition for his outstanding contribution to acting and charitable endeavors” from the University of Stirling in June 2019. His second honorary doctorate in recognition of his artistic success and his charitable work was bestowed by the University of Glasgow in July 2019.