There has been considerable speculation regarding the future of the James Bond series following the (presumed, though unconfirmed) departures of director Sam Mendes and star Daniel Craig following this year's "Spectre." In terms of the latter, Craig has said that he won't be Bond for much longer. So who will replace him as 007 if he chooses to leave the series?
A few months ago, Damian Lewis ("Homeland") got a boost of support from U.K. bookmakers and today comes a bit more evidence hinting at that possibility. England's Mirror is reporting that Lewis has been given "an unofficial nod" indicating he will be the first choice once Craig hangs up his Beretta. We have no idea what an "unofficial nod" is in Hollywood speak, especially since the rights to the Bond franchise will be up for sale after "Spectre." But the Mirror seems to be confident that Lewis will get the part.
However, the same outlet also reported that David Beckham was considering the iconic role. Although they say their source is "well-placed," they don't reveal any details about their knowledge of production or who even provided the "unofficial nod" in the first place. The entire report, therefore, should be taken with a shaker of salt.
In addition to Lewis, who is a 44-year-old Londoner with a successful acting career and an Emmy win for "Homeland," Idris Elba ("Star Trek Beyond") and Tom Hardy ("Mad Max: Fury Road") have been mentioned as leading candidates to assume the role. Elba would be the first African American actor to portray the Bond character and has proven his mettle with his roles in "The Wire," "Luthor," and "Pacific Rim." Hardy, meanwhile, is fast becoming one of the top A-listers in Hollywood and is in the heavily anticipated upcoming gangster film "Legend."
Regardless of all this replacement speculation, it's still unknown if Craig will even give the role up after "Spectre." He's been one of the most popular Bonds since Sean Connery and "Skyfall" is the only film in the series to cross the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office. If he wants to return, he will.
Bond fans, what do you think about Lewis, Elba or Hardy as the new 007? Let us know in the comments section below!
