It’s the movie role that can transform unknown actors into global mega stars – and now Brits have had their say over who they want the next James Bond to be.
Thousands of Bond fans have been casting their vote over who they want to replace Daniel Craig in the spy flick franchise.
And topping the list is Luther star Idris Elba, who was the overwhelming favourite for the gig following a study of 2,000 Brits.
The poll, commissioned by Lottoland, saw the 51-year-old A-lister beating the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, Superman’s Henry Cavill to the prized role.
Some of the other top 20 A-listers fans suggested be in the running included Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren, The Sun revealed.
But while Idris was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role last year so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
Fans of James Bond revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in the spy flicks – Idris Elba (seen on Saturday)
Daniel Craig has played James Bond for five instalments of the spy flicks, since Casino Royale in 2006
Idris brought up the persistent discussions about him taking over as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy in February 2023.
When asked about the Luther film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he said: ‘It’s very dark.
‘We’ve been working on the television show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and so we’re here with the first movie.
‘You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.
‘I’m going to be John Luther. That’s who I am.’
Back in August 2022, it was reported Idris had walked away from ‘years of talks’ with movie bosses to take over the famous role.
He had been the bookies’ favourite to replace Daniel Craig as the super spy, but is keen to pursue other roles – and has even put forward a list of proposed names to producer Barbara Broccoli of actors to play 007.
A source told The Sun: ‘Fans and Barbara wanted Idris but he wants to create something for himself.
‘However, he’s put forward names to play 007. He’s ‘informally’ in the decision-making process as he’s been in talks with producers for so long.’
MailOnline contacted reps for Idris and James Bond producers at the time.
While at the premiere of his movie The Harder They Fall in 2021, Idris said when asked if he’ll be considered as the next 007 he said: ‘No, I’m not going to be James Bond.’
He also told The Express about the rumours: ‘I’m probably the most famous Bond actor in the world, and I haven’t even played the role.’
Superman Henry Cavill is another Bond making the top 20 of the poll
Also in the running is Venom star Tom Hardy who was the second favourite to replace Daniel Craig as 007
While Aaron Taylor-Johnson, once hailed as the ‘one to beat’ to become the next 007, placed 9th
Idris then added: ‘Enough is enough. I can’t talk about it anymore.’
Despite this Ladbrokes awarded the actor 3/1 on taking on the role after Daniel announced 2021’s No Time To Die would be his last outing as the character.
The bookmakers said at the time: ‘We’ve seen a flurry of interest in Idris Elba and have slashed his odds accordingly, so much so that he’s now the clear favourite as far as we’re concerned to replace Daniel Craig as 007.’
Also rumoured to be in the running at the time were Tom Hardy at 5/1, Rege-Jean Page 4/1 and Richard Madden 20/1.
James Bond producer Barbara previously admitted it will take a long time to choose Craig’s 007 replacement.
The filmmaker insisted it’s not as easy as picking an actor to take on the iconic role of the suave spy.
Speaking to Variety, Barbara said: ‘It’s a big decision.
Daniel Craig has been Bond since his first outing in 2006’s Casino Royal, before announcing 2021’s No Time To Die would be his last time as 007
Others in the running for Bond include Scottish Game of Thrones star, Richard Madden
Regé Jean-Page (pictured in July 2022) also made the list, placing just behind Madden in 11th
In a study of 2,000 fans commissioned by Lottoland, Idris came out on top as the most popular person for the job, ahead of Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill
‘It’s not just casting a role. It’s about a whole rethink about where we’re going.’
Earlier that same year, the blockbuster franchise’s producer confirmed Idris was ‘part of the conversation’ to be the next 007.
She told Deadline’s Crew Call podcast: ‘Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor.’
‘And, you know, it’s been a part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat.’
Barbara added that there is no rush from Bond bosses to name the actor as they wanted to let the cast and crew savour the Craig’s final movie No Time To Die.
Back in August 2022, it was reported Idris had walked away from ‘years of talks’ with movie bosses to take over the famous role (pictured in 2022)
She said: ‘I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.’
The producer also hinted at a re-imagining of the franchise. explaining: ‘It’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through.’
She added though that any casting announcements are a way off, saying: ‘We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time,’ she continued. ‘There isn’t a script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film.
‘I’d say that filming is at least two years away.’
