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Richard Madden
After winning raves on both sides of the Atlantic for his thrilling turn in BBC’s hit series “Bodyguard”, the Scottish actor shot to the top of oddsmakers’ lists for becoming the next Bond. The Golden Globe-winning actor called 007 rumours “flattering” after producer Barbara Broccoli was reportedly bowled over by his PTSD-suffering personal security agent David Budd in “Bodyguard”. Since Madden became the rumoured frontrunner, the buzz has definitely cooled on other would-be contenders.
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James Norton
The “Happy Valley” star with a Cambridge education could easily pass for a sophisticated 007. Even with his lack of recognition outside the U.K. and a resume that’s mostly TV, the actor has fans thinking he could be the next Bond. Just ask Diane Keaton: "He's got everything that you need. First of all he's extremely attractive, very smart, he's well educated, and he's a fantastic actor. And he's sexy, right? I'm not wrong, I mean, women are gonna love him."
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Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy could be the second Irishman to take on Bond, following in the footsteps of Pierce Brosnan and join Her Majesty's Secret Service. While the "Peaky Blinders" star has previously said the role "isn’t on his radar," he told GQ, “It’s incredibly flattering to be in that conversation,” he said. “I think it should be a woman [next]."
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Gillian Anderson
If a woman is to be the next Bond, who better than Gillian Anderson? The "X-Files” star has expressed interest in the role and fans are here for it. Oddsmakers have “any female” high on their list of potential 007s.
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Lashana Lynch
One woman who is taking on the 007 moniker is Lashana Lynch. The actress is the new 007 but not the new James Bond in “No Time To Die”. Still, it wouldn’t be a total shocker if it is revealed Lynch actually is the new Bond, headlining the next instalment in the franchise.
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Aidan Turner
The Irish "Poldark" actor has risen through the ranks on bookies’ Bond lists, thanks to his legion of female fans. Turner would be game for the role, telling the Daily Mail, "There’s someone else playing the role at the moment, but when it’s free I’ll have a look at it."
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Jamie Dornan
Yet another Irish actor reportedly in consideration, Dornan says it’s “cool” to be part of the casting rumour mill but “It’s just something I’ve given zero thought to.” Thanks to the “Fifty Shades” franchise, we know he looks as good in a tux as he does out of one – an essential Bond skill.
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Dan Stevens
The buzz around the former “Downton Abbey” actor may not be as strong as some of the other contenders but Stevens is still sitting pretty on betting lists. Plus, the blue-eyed Brit looks great in a tux.
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John Boyega
At age 27, the “Star Wars” actor has admitted he may still be a bit too young for the part but may be precisely the right age by the time casting is confirmed.
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Jamie Bell
The former child actor has thoughts on the future of Bond after working with producer Barbara Broccoli on his drama “Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool”. "She is a very strong, opinionated, powerful woman and she will make sure that the character is brought up to speed in this climate and the 21st century," he says of Broccoli, adding he would give the role “serious consideration” should it be offered to him.
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Idris Elba
Talk of British hunk Idris Elba starring as 007 took over social media earlier this year when "Trigger Mortis" writer Anthony Horowitz told the Daily Mail that Elba was "too street" to take on the iconic role. The controversy quickly placed Elba as a fan favourite.
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Damian Lewis
"Homeland" star Damian Lewis is the current frontrunner in the race for the highly-coveted role. According to online betting site William Hill, the British actor is well on his way to becoming the first red-headed Bond.
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Andrew Lincoln
After six years of zombie fighting on AMC's "The Walking Dead," we're confident in saying that Brit Andrew Lincoln is more than ready to take on the undercover agent.
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Michael Fassbender
With his stunning good looks, piercing blue eyes and stellar acting chops, the Irish Michael Fassbender is a shoe-in for Bond. The actor consistently impresses with a mix of blockbuster roles and passion projects and has never been more ready to lead the way as 007.
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Luke Evans
The Welsh "Hobbit" star is slowly climbing the ranks of Hollywood. Taking over the Bond would anchor his leading man status for once and for all.
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Gerard Butler
Tall, dark and handsome, Gerard Butler has the good looks and unmatched charisma to bring something unique to the role. After losing out on the part to Daniel Craig back in 2005, the Scottish actor is back in contention.
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David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo, who is already taking on the voice of James Bond in the audio recording for Trigger Mortis, is another British-born contender. After racking up numerous nominations for his role as Martin Luther King Jr. in "Selma," the up-and-comer is a refreshing choice to step into Bond's shoes.
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Tom Hardy
Growing support behind Tom Hardy is quickly placing him as a likely contender for the 007 role. “I think anybody would consider doing Bond, wouldn’t they?” the "Mad Max" star told Sky News.
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Sam Worthington
Having failed to nab the role the first time around, action star Sam Worthington is in the running for Bond once more. The Aussie actor has proven himself to be a compelling leading star despite a few misses at the box-office in recent years.
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Henry Cavill
If Henry Cavill ever picks up his license to kill, the Channel Islands-born star would become the beefiest Bond to date. The "Man of Steel" would make quite a smooth transition into the world of Bond, James Bond.
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Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston's versatility leaves us dreaming of a Bond who's passions lie beyond martinis, babes and bullets. The "Thor" actor opened up about the role to "Entertainment Tonight". "I think any British actor that gets a phone call that says, 'Would you like to play James Bond?' There's no more enticing question than that," Hiddleston said. "Who on God's green earth knows who's gonna play the next James Bond? [But] I'd love to be in a Bond film at some point."
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Kit Harington
“God, if they came to me I’d consider it, but I think I’m a little way off that,” Kit Harrington told the Evening Standard, but we couldn't agree more! After a few more years in Hollywood, a quick haircut, and a sharp wardrobe update, the "Game of Thrones" would make a welcomed addition to the 007 roster.
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Benedict Cumberbatch
Another longshot! Benedict Cumberbatch might be a little too geek-chic for Bond, but there is no telling where the "Sherlock" star and his box-office gold could take the iconic franchise.
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Charlie Hunnam
If Bond filmmakers are looking for a Daniel Craig look-a-like, we recommend they turn to U.K.-born Charlie Hunnam. The "Sons of Anarchy" star's stunning good looks and chiseled body are bound to draw big crowds.
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Matthew Goode
Tall, dark, handsome and smart! Matthew Goode -- the anti-Daniel Craig -- would add a touch more intellect to the next slew of Bond films.
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