BY: Amanda Jane Stern

It’s official!  Daniel Craig is finished with James Bond. The upcoming 007 flick No Time To Die marks his last time playing the suave, martini-drinking spy. So, of course, we’re all wondering, who will be the next actor cast in the iconic role? Historically speaking, Bond has always been a white man aged anywhere from 29 (George Lazenby) to 57 (Roger Moore in his final Bond performance). Perhaps it’s time for a change. Below we have rounded up six outstanding potential new Bonds. Who’s your pick?

 

John Boyega

Boyega has already proven he can be a wonderful action-star as Finn in the new Star Wars trilogy. Taking on the part of Bond would be a very logical move. And it’s time for this British actor to play a character with romantic plotlines in addition to action and adventure. He’d also join Lazenby as one of the youngest actors to play the role, which could breathe new life into the series.

 

Robert Pattinson

Pattinson is no stranger to big movie franchises. He got his first big break with a notable role in the fourth Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, before being cast as the romantic lead in the Twilight franchise. He is currently playing the newest iteration of Bruce Wayne/Batman in the upcoming The Batman. If producers decide to stick to the status quo with their next Bond actor, Pattinson is a sure bet.

 

Charlize Theron

And finally, if we are suggesting women who could play Bond, then we would be remiss if we didn’t include Charlize Theron. She is already a massive action star in addition to being a wonderful dramatic actress. She has led action flicks like The Old Guard, and Mad Max: Fury Road, and she already played a Bond-like bisexual superspy in Atomic Blonde, it would make perfect sense to let her be the next James Bond.

 

Richard Madden

Madden came to prominence as Robb Stark in HBO’s hit series, Game of Thrones. While his character only made it so far in the series, Madden’s career continues to skyrocket. He’s taken on significant roles in Disney films like the live-action Cinderella and major biopics like Rocketman. Additionally, Madden has a sizeable queer fanbase, and perhaps producers could explore Bond’s possible bisexuality, which was hinted at in Skyfall.

 

Lashana Lynch

Yes, Lynch is a woman, but hear us out on this one. Lynch stars alongside Craig in No Time To Die as fellow MI6 agent Nomi, who takes on the mantle of 007 when Bond seemingly retires. It would only be logical for her to continue as 007 in the next film. Sure, her character’s name is Nomi, not James Bond, but she’s already a super-spy. She can change her name to Bond. It could be an opportunity for producers to take Bond in a whole new direction.

 

Henry Golding

Although Golding’s breakout performance only came two years ago with 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, he’s proven to be a versatile actor. He has taken on romantic leads in big blockbusters and played drug kingpins. He also showed us his ability to carry small-scale drama in the indie flick Monsoon. Next, he will be starring in the new G.I. Joe film, Snake Eyes, which could serve as an audition for him as Bond.

 

Vanessa Kirby

Continuing with our, why can’t Bond be a woman thread, how about Vanessa Kirby? Based on her roles as the White Widow in the Mission: Impossible films, and Hattie in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, we already know she can handle an action franchise. How about we let her take the lead this time instead of another man?

 

Idris Elba

Elba’s name has been floated around for a while when it comes to who should be the next Bond, so of course, we had to include him. Some have argued that Elba, at 48-years-old, is too old to start playing Bond, but Moore played the role from 45 to 57, and Craig is currently 52. Elba is a wonderfully talented actor, who has proven he can handle action and drama, plus he’s handsome enough to be the seductive spy.