Next James Bond: Tom Hardy becomes shock contender for 007 role as new data gives Venom star huge boost
The race to be the next Bond has taken another turn as Tom Hardy, 47, has emerged as the public’s favourite to take on the iconic role.
Speculation has been rampant as to who the next 007 would be ever since Daniel Craig announced his exit prior to his final outing in 2021’s No Time to Die.
After 15 years, Craig has hung up his tuxedo and Aston Martin keys leaving the door open for a new face.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has long been tipped as the favourite for the role while other stars such as Paul Mescal, Theo James, and several others have been touted.
While watching ITV’s parental drama Playing Nice, viewers noticed a key costume detail that they believe reveals Norton is soon to be named as the next 007.
In the series’ third episode. Norton’s character Pete Riley is seen attending a swanky black tie gala event.
However, in a scene replete with men in tuxedos, Norton was the only one seen without – instead wearing a simple suit.
Despite the excitement, discussion of the next 007 has been mired by reports of a falling out between long-serving boss Barbara Broccoli and her new collaborators at Amazon.
According to a bombshell Wall Street Journal report, Broccoli is believed to have privately slammed Amazon higher-ups as “f***ing idiots” whilst having little to no confidence in the streaming giant’s approach to the iconic spy series.
The relationship between the two parties has reportedly hit such a low that Bond 26 currently has no script, no story and no lead actor
Amidst the swirling production woes and casting rumours, new research from BetVictor has suggested Hardy may now be the people’s choice for 007.
The 47-year-old has emerged as the most popular choice to succeed Craig among the various star names suggested.
Hardy achieved a convincing first place with more than a third, 33.47 per cent, of the vote.
Following behind was Superman star Henry Cavill, with 22.31 per cent, and Idris Elba, with 16.73 per cent.
Hardy or otherwise, whoever takes on the role will have a number of tough acts to follow.
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BetVictor also polled the same selection of the public on who their favourite Bond actor was.
The late Scottish acting legend, and the first on-screen Bond, Sean Connery ran away with it – gaining 34.66 per cent of the people’s vote as the most iconic 007.
Outgoing Bond, Daniel Craig, came second with 24.7 per cent of the vote.
Roger Moore, who succeeded Connery in the 1970s, came in third with 16.73 per cent.