ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Tom Hardy Is Now The Bookies' Favourite To Be Next James Bond

Tom Hardy Is Now The Bookies' Favourite To Be Next James Bond

He was born for the role!

Anonymous

Anonymous

Tom Hardy is now the favourite to become the next James Bond.

Recently, he wouldn't speculate on whether he wishes to play the world's most famous spy, citing the fact that if you talk about roles you don't tend to get them. This, of course, meant that the prevailing thought is that he would wish to play the part.

The trailer for Spectre. Credit: United Artists

It's the ultimate role for a male actor - the series has been going since the 60s with smooth Scot Sean Connery and it's the world's best known film franchise. The spy may change his face, but the elements remain the same; Martinis, guns, Aston Martins, amazing scenery and a Bond girl (or sometimes two).

Credit: United Artists

But ever since Daniel Craig has said he doesn't want to do it anymore in Time Out and no amount of money can tempt him, the rumours of who is playing Bond next have been insane - and the producers of the films haven't given us any clues.

The actor has been in some epic films recently. The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, the Kray twins film Legend and even switched over to tv to do Peaky Blinders and Taboo. He's going to be in Star Wars: Episode VIII - but no word on his role. And rumour has it that he'll follow in the current Bond's footsteps. Daniel Craig put on the stormtrooper costume in a torture scene in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is a bit of a coincidence.

What are the odds?

On Irish bookie website Paddy Power, Tom Hardy has hit the number one spot. The odds on him playing Bond next are 6/4, with James Norton second with 9/4 and Aidan Turner 10/3.

William Hague is there, weirdly enough, at 500/1. Well, after being Foreign Secretary maybe a spy is the next step. Who knows.

One thing about Tom Hardy joining the Bond franchise is that he might bring along Christopher Nolan with him. The two worked together on Inception and The Dark Knight Rises where Tom played Bane. Christopher has said in the past that he would like to direct a Bond film - so that could be on the cards!

So who is in the race?

Tom Hiddleston

He proved his chops at spying in John le Carre's The Night Manager and the stage actor and movie star had a lot of press last year and is obviously keen for the role. But apparently Barbara Broccoli, the famous Bond producer, likes her Bonds to keep a low-profile and his 'faux-mance' with Taylor Swift last year brought a lot of ridicule. He's been put on the backburner for now. FAIL LAD.

James Norton

He's mostly known for his TV work, such as playing Andrei in War & Peace, Grantchester, Happy Valley and Black Mirror under his belt. At 31, he's pretty young (well, for Bond), and perhaps not being a movie star could work in his favour. Oddschecker has him at number one, so they must think so too.

Aidan Turner

Best known for scything half-naked in TV series Poldark, and playing dwarf Kili in The Hobbit franchise, the Irishman certainly has the charm to pull of Bond. But can he convince us he has all the attributes?

Jack Huston

A relative unknown, Jack is still best known for famous dad Tony Huston. That said, he did play the title role of Ben-Hur in the remake last year, and he was in Hail, Caesar! and TV series Boardwalk Empire. My instincts tell me that it's unlikely he'll be picked, though.

Out of the Running...

Michael Fassbender has pulled himself out of the running by saying he'll never do it, even though he loves Bond, as he's getting on a bit. Could this be a double bluff? He did tell GQ magazine: "One thing is for sure, it won't be anyone on the bookies' lists. It never is." Interesting point, Michael.

And Idris Elba. The Luther star has also said he's too old for Bond "I think I'm too old for that - running around in cars and ladies and Martinis," he said to The Guardian. Idris Elba was a big fan favourite as he's an amazing and intense actor and would make Bond history by being the first black actor to take the role on. He could be bluffing too - you never know!

Who do you want to become the next Bond?

Words Laura Hamilton

Featured Image Credit: PA