10 stars whose James Bond roles would have been iconic 

Fans and industry insiders have been speculating about who may don the iconic tuxedo, and many have hypothesized about who would be the next face of James Bond. A fiercely fought battle between experienced action heroes and budding talents, a smack of charisma, manliness, and British identity flows wonderfully with the debate.

The cast listed below includes 10 performers, some of whom were more fascinating than others, some of whom had a history of coming close to landing the part, and some of whom were the favorites of industry insiders. These are the names of actors that get people talking, even though it may not be true that anyone is in the running. Speculation is always entertaining.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

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Here is the list of the 10 actors who would have made a great James Bond:

10. Dev Patel

Dev Patel has been floated as a fresh, bold choice for James Bond. His action film Monkey Man displays that he can work with fights, stunts, and suits without blinking an eye, and even the Bond smirk comes through. Yet Patel himself has been resisting the thought. He noted he did not want the role to fit a diversity box. He desires that any casting should be sensible to the tale, not tempestuous.

Numerous fans are enthusiastic. Social media posts with remarks like "Dev Patel would kill it" highlight how people note his British heritage and attractiveness. That combination of encouragement and his caution makes this an interesting what-if.

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9. Sam Heughan

Heughan originally auditioned to play James Bond in the Casino Royale castings after Daniel Craig had already been cast. Later, he noted that producers said that he was not edgy enough to play the character. He still shows curiosity, as evidenced by his statements in interviews that he would want to do 007 because he has a little more experience, but he will still try when asked.

He would make a good Scottish Bond, like Sean Connery, according to certain fans, who are very pleased about it. Even if he hasn't been chosen yet, he is still being considered.

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8. James Norton

James Norton is now amongst the wiser names in the Bond speculation market. A reporter informed him that he was a candidate to succeed 007 at the BAFTAs. He dismisses it in passing, referring to it as lighthearted speculation. Fans are also very supportive.

A fan on Reddit hailed his work in McMafia and Happy Valley as “fantastic” and a "Bond type." There is another cadre of fans who believe he is the under-the-radar, classic Brit, ideal to play the role. He enters the game because of his fan base and strong acting resume.

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7. Rege-Jean Page

Rege-Jean Page of Bridgerton fame routinely comes up on speculative lists as Bond, lauded in looks, style, and presence. He is ranked among the serious contenders even in the People Magazine roundup. However, Page has distanced himself from the position by claiming that he is now focusing on his other projects and is not giving the role any real thought.

However, industry insiders like Michael Fassbender and actress Naomie Harris, who played Miss Moneypenny, have expressed their belief that Page might be a strong actor in this Bond role. It blends fashionable alternatives with a dapper bow that is out of focus.

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6. Richard Madden

Richard Madden is a Scottish actor who has worked in Bodyguard, Game of Thrones, and Eternals. Fans admire his strong acting skills and polished presence, making many believe he would make a compelling James Bond. He is frequently cited in articles quoting him as one of the strongest candidates, due to his talent at bearing the weight of action-thrillers and dramas. His characters typically possess the harshness and coolness that Bond requires.

The character is modernized yet maintains the impression of an older spy thanks to Madden's current yet stylish aesthetic. Many people believe that he is a bright, industrious man who might fit the story both physically and narratively. His birth year of 1986 also places him comfortably within the age range often used to cast a long-term 007 franchise.

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5. Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston has been named multiple times as a potential James Bond successor. His leading part in The Night Manager garnered critical acclaim and, in many respects, seemed to be a Bond audition on a larger scale. He has described his job as Bond as an exceptional chance, and he would prefer that the rumors cease because he does not influence them.

According to one writer, Hiddleston feels like Fleming, with a lot of Connery and Craig, and his followers adore his slick, cunning interpretation. However, he has downplayed the rumors, saying that he would like to work on real projects and that the filmmakers have not approached him.

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4. Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is a top favorite in bookie odds to become the next James Bond. He can work in gritty action films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight Rises because of his strong, rugged personality. He is a fantastic fit for the tough Bond because of his physicality and strong range.

Naomie Harris, who acted with Daniel Craig, described Tom Hardy as a phenomenal actor with great physicality. But even Hardy remains quiet on rumors, not commenting. While some people like the concept of a darker, more evil Bond, others believe Bond is already too well-known or legendary to be eclipsed.

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3. Idris Elba

Idris Elba has long been a fan favorite for his role as James Bond. His charisma, depth, and screen presence have made him a popular figure on both sides of the Atlantic, from Hollywood blockbusters to Luther. The producers say he is amazing, and he frequently participates in the conversation. However, Elba has emphatically disputed the part, claiming that no offer was ever made and that the rumors were just that. Therefore, it is possible to dismiss the job. He has stated, “I’m not going to be that guy.”

Even though he does not want it, there are still several people who desire that he is the proper person. His talent, confidence, and affiliation with the franchise make the rumor fascinating, even though this is probably never going to happen.

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2. Henry Cavill

During the casting of Casino Royale, Henry Cavill was almost cast as James Bond. Although the producers chose Daniel Craig over Cavill because they thought that he was too young at the time. Fans and critics are already pointing out that Cavill will have a clear advantage in the current audition process because of this forethought.

A man with the physical presence, charisma, and aura of a spy-hero, he remains one of the most formidable challengers. Although there isn't a confirmed lead at this time, Amazon MGM is in the early stages of developing the next film. Cavill is a popular choice among fans and industry insiders due to his long history with the role.

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1. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

One of the show horses tipped to become the next James Bond is Aaron Taylor-Johnson. He is the frontrunner according to the bookmakers' odds and rumors, and Omega, the Swiss luxury watch brand, recently named him their global ambassador, which could spark additional rumors.

Pierce Brosnan, one of the former Bonds, said Taylor-Johnson has the charm and skill to pull it off. Taylor-Johnson does not have anything to say about the topic himself. He adds that he does his own thing and keeps on concentrating on what he is doing now, such as Kraven the Hunter and The Fall Guy. Insiders and fans alike are keeping a careful eye on him as the rumors about him spread.

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We assessed that each of these ten actors brought a unique set of attributes to the Bond discussion, whether it was brashness, sexual charisma, or movie pedigree. None of these were formally cast, but their names were made the subject of heated fan speculation and trades industry chatter. They influenced the vision of a modern 007 in close calls and ascent. The speculation might disappear, yet their effect on the Bond mythos was memorable.