James Bond: Hollywood has their say on who should be the next 007

Who is going to be James Bond? It's the question that has been on Hollywood's lips since even before Daniel Craig took his final bow in No Time to Die.

There have been many names mentioned to take over as 007 for a number of years now. Idris Elba and Tom Hardy are just two names that have been a fixture of headlines for quite some time even though neither man fits the typical bill of what Eon go for when picking a new Bond – mainly on the rise and around 30.

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Such is the hype around casting a new James Bond, virtually everybody in Hollywood gets asked who they would pick to don the tuxedo and sip a martini.

Robert Pattinson: Chosen by Danny Boyle

Danny Boyle, who was originally slated to direct No Time to Die before departing due to creative differences, stated two men who he thought would be perfect for the role – current Batman Robert Pattinson and I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu.

Idris Elba: Chosen by Tom Hanks and Pierce Brosnan

Tom Hanks has been the latest to offer his view and proudly put Idris Elba forward as the next 007. Speaking to the BBC, Hanks said: "Understand this: James Bond has a licence to kill. I would issue that licence to Idris Elba just based on the work that I've seen him do."

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It was a view echoed by former Bond Pierce Brosnan: “Idris Elba comes to mind. Idris is such a powerful presence and such a great former voice tensity. He would be magnificent."

Tom Hardy: Chosen by Pierce Brosnan too

Brosnan also suggested that Tom Hardy would be a good choice: "There’s Tom Hardy out there as well.

"Tom can really chew the furniture up, just be a ball boy – both men can.”

Nicholas Hoult: Chosen by Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage recently said his Renfield co-star Nicholas Hoult would be a fit for the role: "Any chance of Bond, for me, is long gone but I think Nicholas Hoult would be a great James Bond. I think he’d be perfect."

Henry Cavill: Chosen by Matthew Vaughn

Another name usually near the top of the bookies' lists is Henry Cavill and director Matthew Vaughn is on board: "Henry Cavill, that man was born to play Bond. When you see how he is in this film, I was just like, 'Wow, this guy is everything you'd imagine Bond to have been, or be.'"

Putting his money where his mouth his, Vaughn has cast Cavill in his upcoming spy movie Argylle.

Harry Lawtey: Chosen by Konrad Kay

A leftfield pick would be Industry actor Harry Lawtey but he's been backed by the show's co-creator Konrad Kay who tweeted that he would be "superb" as Bond.

Rege-Jean Page: Chosen by the Russo brothers

Rege-Jean Page has also seen his star soar since he broke out in Bridgerton during lockdown and directing duo Joe and Anthony Russo think the 35-year-old would be more than capable spy after working with him on The Gray Man: "He's fantastic. I mean, he has more charisma in his pinky than most people do in their entire body. So you know, we'd watch him do anything – I mean we'd watch him read the phonebook!"

James Norton: Chosen by Diane Keaton

Hollywood icon Diane Keaton is standing firmly behind Happy Valley star James Norton who she worked with on 2017 film Hampstead. The Godfather actor said: "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."

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She added: "Oh come on let's make it happen. If I have a vote, I'm voting. I know I'm right about this."