The Next Bond?

There will be a new 007 portrayer for the next Bond film, as Daniel Craig departs after making his fifth and final film, 'No Time To Die'. 

There are rumors that the next Bond would in fact be a woman, or a person of color, a non-British actor, etc. But whoever is selected to play the iconic role created by Ian Fleming that actor will be the 7th 007.

The first Bond film debuted in 1962 with 'Dr. No' and while nothing has been inked regarding the next episode in the franchise a release date of 2025 is expected. 

So, what current actors are thought encapsulate the Bond 'qualities' and are the frontrunners in the selection process. Here's the lineup.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 32. British actor. Plays in 'Avengers' films.  

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Sam Heughan, 42. Scottish actor. Starred

in very popular 'Outlander' series. Believes he "is right age for the role".

Idris Elba, 50. British actor. Elba is well known and has played in many very popular film and TV roles. He was quoted as saying, "No, I'm not going to be James Bond". 

Lashana Lynch, 35. British actor has appeared in many Marvel films. She, in fact, assumed the 007 number in the final scenes of the last Bond film.

Tom Hiddleston, 35. British actor has starred in many Marvel/Disney films and other dramas. A fan favorite for the role, Barbara Broccoli, the Bond films producer, was quoted as saying, "he's a bit too smug and not tough enough to play Bond." 

Henry Cavill, 34. British actor.

Superman portrayer and star on 'The Tudors' on Showtime.

He has expressed great interest in taking on the Bond role. 

Rege-Jean Page, 34. British actor. Has appeared in many BBC productions. Believes that a Brit should play Bond and is flattered he is being considered for the part.

So, these are the top seven candidates to carry forth the 007 baton. Which is not to say someone else may get the Bond prize.

Over half of all moviegoers polled consider Sean Connery to have been the best 'Fleming' Bond - a single British, middle-aged spy, debonair yet roughed womanizer with a license to kill. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.