Next James Bond Remains Unknown — Get to Know Actors Who Can Fit in the Iconic Tuxedo

The race is on, and fans of the James Bond franchise are placing bets on which dashing British actor will be picked as the 9th man to bring the iconic 007 to life.

Since the release of the first James Bond film, "Dr. No," starring Scottish actor Sean Connery, the series has been a hit and made international stars of men who have gone on to play the iconic British agent with a license to kill.

British actor Daniel Craig, who has played 007 since 2006, has announced that he will not be taking up the role again, and the hunt is on for the next man to portray James Bond for the next film.

FOREVER BOND, JAMES BOND

Taking a look at the men who played 007 in the past is one way to predict whom the producers may choose in the future. All have been British actors, and the first James Bond, Sean Connery, was tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome, and so was #2, George Lazenby.

Other James Bonds like Pierce Brosnan, David Niven, and Roger Moore were suave and slick -- as was Timothy Dalton. Daniel Craig saw the return to a more physical, ripped Bond, which may be the trend to follow, so candidates will be heading for the gym.

CILLIAN MURPHY

Irish actor Cillian Murphy is one of the candidates that fans are betting on. He has an impressive curriculum in theater and independent films, with an occasional foray into mainstream movies, like "Batman Begins," "Inception," and the 2021 horror, "A Quiet Place Part II."

Murphy has the looks, the talent and has been slated as a hot possibility by the British press. However, even though the actor has declared himself flattered for being considered for the role, he believes the next James Bond should be a woman.

Rumor has it that film producer Barbara Broccoli doesn't think Hiddleston is "tough enough" for the role.

REGÉ-JEAN PAGE

Another clear favorite for the new James Bond -- he would be the first Black actor to play the role -- is Regé-Jean Page. Page is a highly respected screen and stage actor in the United Kingdom and caught the eye of American audiences in the 2016 miniseries "Roots."

Since then, Page has become one of the hottest Hollywood leading men after being cast in the hit historical series "Bridgerton" as the aristocratic Simon Basset. Page is a combination of suave sophistication and physicality that would make a perfect Bond.

IDRIS ELBA

For many, the only possible successor to the legacy of Sean Connery and Daniel Craig is Idris Elba. Elba has had a dazzling career on film and TV, including "The Dark Tower," "The Mountain Between Us," and the action movie "Hobbs & Shaw" with Dwayne Johnson.

Elba, who was People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 2018, has teased fans by captioning a snap, "Elba, Idris Elba..." Additionally, the James Bond film producer Barbara Broccoli has stated that it is time for 007 to be represented by a minority actor, but she hasn't said when.

TOM HIDDLESTON

Tall, lean, and mean Tom Hiddleston has made his mark in the Marvel Universe franchise as the sly villain Loki. Still, the British actor is also a revered classical actor of stage and screen whom many consider a prime candidate to become the next 007.

However, rumor has it that film producer Barbara Broccoli doesn't think Hiddleston is "tough enough" for the role. That might be a sly bit of misdirection on Broccoli's part or a hint for Hiddleston to hit the gym with pals Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans and beef up.

HENRY CAVILL

To play the super-agent 007, who could be better than the man who has been bringing "Superman" to life. British actor Henry Cavill caught the eye of audiences as Henry VIII's best friend in the hit series "The Tudors."

When Daniel Craig was selected as the new James Bond in 2006, Cavill came close to snatching the role from the older actor. Cavill is now more mature, a perfect fit for Bond, and despite his fame, Superman may well be at the top of Broccoli's list.

RICHARD MADDEN

Like the iconic Sean Connery, Richard Madden is also Scottish. Madden had his breakthrough role in the cult fantasy series "Game of Thrones" as Robb Stark, the King of the North, who dies tragically at the Red Wedding.

Since then, Madden has starred in the 2019 Sam Mendes war film, "1917," and in the forthcoming Marvel Universe film "The Eternals," in which he plays a lead role as the superhero Ikaris. Becoming James Bond would be the next level for the handsome Madden.