Who is replacing Daniel Craig – if anyone – has been a hot topic since the dawn of time. Or so it feels.
Craig has played 007 since Casino Royale in 2006 and is set to take on the role again in 2019s Bond 25 – but rumours are rife that next years will be his last outing.
And this week Idris is now the hot favourite to take over from Craig after his odds were slashed this week from 8/1 to 2/1.
Speaking of the turnaround, Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: Elbas chances of replacing Daniel Craig have never looked better as Bond bosses close in on a decision.
Here is a rundown of the current favourites to take over from Craig at taking on the role first made famous on the big screen by Sean Connery in 1962s Dr No.
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Idris Elba 2/1
Credit: Rex/Shutterstock, Getty
James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli said shes open to diversifying the role of Bond and the Daily Star reports that Broccoli had a conversation with director Antoine Fuqua about potentially casting the role with a non-white actor.
The article says Broccoli told Fuqua it is time for a person of colour to get the role, with all previous Bonds having been white.
She added that casting an ethnic minority actor as 007 will happen eventually.
Idris could do it if he was in shape, she revealed. You need a guy with a physically strong presence. Idris has that.
Tom Hardy 3/1
The bad man of British acting is no stranger to the big screen having appeared recently in Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant, The Dark Knight Rises and Legend.
The British actor starred in the BBC series Taboo and has fuelled Bond rumours after refusing to comment on whether he would like to take over from Daniel Craig, for fear of jinxing his chance.
His odds were slashed when it was revealed that the have-a-go hero turned into a real life Bond and chased a motorbike thief through the streets of Richmond and made a citizens arrest.
James Norton 4/1
First nipping into the stakes last year after a number of critically acclaimed roles alongside that of his regular appearances in Grantchester.
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His latest role in crime drama McMafia has seen the Yorkshire-born star pushed to the the top of the pile when it comes to blowing up bad guys and swigging martinis (though were sure James prefers a pint of Black Sheep himself).
Aidan Turner 7/1
Aidan started his career on stage but soon found fame on the big screen after appearing in The Hobbit trilogy, before landing the lead in Poldark.
The 35-year-old took pole-position in the Bond odds back in August, however, he refused to comment on the rumours at MCM Expo last May.
Jack Huston 8/1
Jack most recently appeared on the big screen in 2016 (sort-of) hit Ben Hur.
The British actor has also appeared in The Longest Ride, American Hustle and the infamous movie phenomemon, The Twilight Saga.
Cillian Murphy 8/1
The Peaky Blinders star is also on the cards to take over the role from Craig, proving his action prowess in films including the Batman trilogy and Inception.
Any Female 12/1
A number of female stars have said theyd love to take on the role of Bond as the first female, from Kristen Stewart to Gillian Anderson.
But Craigs wife Rachel Weisz wont be putting her name forward when her husband hands in the towel, as she doesnt agree with the idea that Bond could be a girl.
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Tom Hiddleston 16/1
Hes made some excellent strides in Hollywood – despite the disaster that was his short-lived romance with Tay Tay – and his stint in The Night Manager has only affirmed what many believe – hes a sure-fire contender for 007.
Plus hes not been afraid to throw his hat into the ring for the role before.
And there you have.
Of course there are many more names who have been linked to the role – either by bookies or by them announcing theyd love the role, from Henry Cavill to Sam Heughan or Jonathan Rhys-Meyers – but well just have to sit patiently and wait…
James Bond career stats
Sir Roger Moore – seven movies, 5,118 days
Daniel Craig – four movies, 4,147 days
Pierce Brosnan – four movies, 4,146 days
Sean Connery – seven movies, 3,049 days
Timothy Dalton – two movies, 2,863 days
George Lazenby – one movie, 875 days
MORE: Could Idris Elba be the next James Bond? 007 producers hint at next forerunner
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