There has been much speculation since it was revealed that Daniel Craig was hanging up his Walther PPK Elysium Magazine updates its picks for the top role in Hollywood, with a few surprises.

 

The critics’ choice: Idris Elba

 

 

Elba ticks every box going. He’s an established name but wouldn’t overshadow the character. His casting would be historic, obviously, but Elba feels less a “Black Bond” than a natural Bond who happens to be black. Which is exactly as it should be.

 

The bookies’ favourite: Tom Hiddleston

 

 

Tom Hiddleston’s already made a success of playing a spy. Impressing critics and drawing huge audiences in the BBC’s The Night Manager, a drama series based on the John le Carré novel, is as close as it gets to a public job application for the role.

 

The natural fit: Henry Cavill

 

 

Square-jawed, broad shouldered, dark haired, blue eyed. Classically handsome but could clearly take you in a fight. Auditioning for the role, aged 22, in 2005, Cavill reached the final two before Craig edged him out. Ten years later, matured as an actor and a man, surely he should go one better?

 

The outside favourite: Nicholas Hoult

 

 

A brave choice with the potential to pay dividends. A young, hungry British actor with franchise experience but no defining role as yet. He’s a very different actor to Craig, smoother and less physical; it would refreshing to see a new interpretation of the character.

 

The man of the moment: Damian Lewis

 

 

After shining in Homeland and Billions, this is very much Damian Lewis’s moment. He’s an incredibly smooth performer and would offer a refreshing change after the bluntness of Craig. His 2013 Jaguar short film Desire almost feels like an extended audition for the role. It’s one he passes, comfortably.

 

Twitter’s favourite: Gillian Anderson

 

 

To cast Gillian Anderson as the first female James Bond would be a refreshing and original update to the 50 year old franchise. She wants the role, too. The creative possibilities are vast and she has already been voted the best candidate in a number of Twitter polls. Jane Bond could be a serious possibility.

 

Did we miss anyone out? Let us know on Twitter.