Speculation is rife over who will take over the role of James Bond in the long-running spy series. Recently, "X-Files" star Gillian Anderson casually expressed interest on Twitter, sending the rumor mill into overdrive.
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Who will be the next James Bond?
Speculation over who will follow Daniel Craig as 007 has been rife. Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren insist James Bond should continue to be male.
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Bond 007: Daniel Craig
"No Time to Die" (2021) was Bond veteran Daniel Craig's fifth and final portrayal of the fictional MI6 agent, and the 25th in the 007 series. It has now been revealed that "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight is set to write the next James Bond movie, while filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, best known for "Dune," will direct the relaunch of the franchise. But who will be the lead star?
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The favorite: Aaron Taylor Johnson
Aaron Taylor Johnson keeps topping betting sites' lists of odds to pick up the role. It has also been reported that 007 producers had made a "formal offer" to the British actor to become the next James Bond. The "Tenet" and "28 Years Later" star has since distanced himself from the rumors, though he also suggested in a "Rolling Stone UK" interview that it was simply too early to talk about it.
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A superman: Henry Cavill
The British actor had already auditioned for the Bond role in "Casino Royale" back in 2005; as we know, it ultimately went to Daniel Craig. Cavill has since gained recognition for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe and as the lead star of the fantasy TV series "The Witcher." He remains a top contender to become the next 007 — at least according to fans and bookmakers.
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Part of a dream couple: Callum Turner
The odds are also good for English actor Callum Turner, who has shown he can tackle dangerous missions through his role in WWII drama miniseries "Masters of the Air." He's also known as Theseus, the brother of Newt Scamander in the "Fantastic Beasts" films. Fans hope to see him star alongside his real-life fiancee, pop icon Dua Lipa, who could appear as the next Bond girl and sing the new theme.
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Lucky charm: Cillian Murphy
Despite previous rumors, Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer" star Cillian Murphy has slipped down the pecking order, but he still has an outside chance of being the first Irish Bond. At least we know he can put on an accent, as ably demonstrated in his Brummie role in the TV show "Peaky Blinders."
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A female option: Gillian Anderson
The "Sex Education" therapist definitely has the charisma and sex appeal needed for the character. But is the world ready for a Ms. Bond? Many people, including former 007 star Pierce Brosnan, don't see that as an option. Actor Helen Mirren also feels it wouldn't work: "I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy: You can't have a woman... otherwise it becomes something else."
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Long shot: David Beckham
Even if the rumors seem a little far-fetched, some fans still hold out hope that the former soccer star will take on the role. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer may look the part in a tuxedo — but can he act?
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Slick style: Idris Elba
Famous for his iconic depictions of drug lord Stringer Bell in the TV series "The Wire" and detective John Luther in "Luther," this charismatic Golden Globe-award winner knows how to handle a gun. However, he said in 2023 that when the discussion only "became about race," it made the "whole thing disgusting and off-putting."
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A singing 007: Robbie Williams
Another outsider, the pop star has already shown his affection for Bond in the 1998 song "Millennium." Williams parodied 007 in the video, dressed in a tuxedo, driving an Aston Martin and surrounded by beautiful women in fluffy negligees. The singer has since matured, but maybe the gray streaks in his hair only add to the allure. Whether a singing Bond can save the world is another question.
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Muscled acting: Tom Hardy
Eddie Brock/Venom from the "Venom" films was another favorite among bookies. From "Black Hawk Down" to "Mad Max," Hardy has starred in all kinds of action films, and even in a Cold War espionage movie, "Tinker Tailor Solider Spy," so he's got enough experience for the role. He's got style, too, and has landed on different lists of sexiest men alive. Enough said.
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Gillian Anderson, the stage and screen actress famous for her role in the '90s cult series "The X-Files," apparently has her eye on another well-known franchise.
Anderson, 47, caused a bit of a stir on Twitter last week when she name-checked #NextBond in a post, reposting a fan-made version of the classic James Bond movie poster featuring her in the lead role.
She posted a second image later in the week, showing her on the set of her long-running TV series with the hashtag #janebond.
The photoshopped image makes it clear that the role of the world-famous British secret agent wouldn't be a bad fit for her. As an American actress, however, she'd have to be sure to perfect her British accent.
But when it comes to experience as a secret agent, Anderson proved her qualifications long ago. As Agent Dana Scully in 208 episodes of "The X-Files" - the most recent airing in a 10th mini season earlier this year - Anderson tackled countless paranormal cases with her partner Agent Mulder, played by David Duchovny. She also played the role in two successful spinoff films in 1998 and 2008.
Who will replace Daniel Craig?
With her posts, Anderson entered into a highly controversial debate for Bond fans: Who will be the successor of British actor Daniel Craig?
Craig, who with his blond hair was himself a controversial choice for his "Casino Royale" role back in 2006, has since embodied agent 007 in four Bond films.
He last played Bond in the 2015 film "Spectre," but hasn't confirmed his plans for a fifth installment. However, rumors have been swirling that he's ready to move on to other roles.
Speaking to "Time Out" magazine last year, he said he would only do another Bond film "for the money," adding that he'd rather "slash his wrists" than play 007 again.
Some big-name stars have been rumored as his replacement, including Tom Hiddleston ("The Avengers"), Damian Lewis ("Homeland") and Idris Elba ("The Wire," "Luther") who, if chosen, would make history as the first black Bond.
Of course, as a woman, Anderson would be an equally notable choice. And she's not the only actress to have expressed an interest: Indian actress Priyanka Chopra and American actress Elizabeth Banks ("The Hunger Games") have both spoken about taking on the role.
Sam Mendes, who directed the last two Bond films and announced over the weekend that he wouldn't be back for another installment, told fans that any lobbying was pointless. "It's not a democracy ... [producer] Barbara Broccoli decides who is going to be the next Bond, end of story," he said.
But, he added, "I can guarantee that whatever happens next it will not be what you expect."
Movie fans around the world are hopelessly at odds when it comes to determining who could be a worthy successor to Craig, whom many have credited for revitalizing the series with his portrayal. In our gallery, we take a look at the most talked-about candidates - and those who would also like to be in the running.
