James Bond fans have revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in the spy films.
Idris Elba, 51, beat two other rumored Bond replacements with an overwhelming vote after one in five fans said he would be their choice.
A survey of 2,000 fans commissioned by Lottoland found that Idris was the most popular person for the position, ahead of Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill.
Some of the other top 20 A-listers fans suggested would be in the running included Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren, The sun revealed.
But while Idris was the first choice, fans may be left disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role last year so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
James Bond fans have revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in the spy films – Idris Elba (showing Saturday)
Daniel Craig has played James Bond in five episodes of the spy films since Casino Royale in 2006
Idris brought up the ongoing discussions about the takeover of Ian Fleming’s famous British spy in February 2023.
When asked about the Luther film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he said: “It’s very dark.
‘We’ve been working on the television show for about ten years and so the natural ambition is to bring it to the big screen, and so here we are with the first film.
“You know, a lot of people talk about another character that starts with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.
‘I will be John Luther. That’s who I am.’
In August 2022, it was reported that Idris had left ‘years of talks’ with film bosses to take over the famous role.
He was the bookies’ favorite to replace Daniel Craig as super spy, but is keen to pursue other roles – and has even submitted a proposed list to producer Barbara Broccoli of actors who would play 007.
A source said The sun: ‘Fans and Barbara wanted Idris, but he wants to create something for himself.
“However, he has put forward names to play 007. He is ‘informally’ involved in the decision-making process, because he has been in discussions with producers for so long.’
Idris Elba, 51, beat two other rumored Bond replacements with an overwhelming vote after one in five fans said he would be their choice
Idris has ruled himself out of the role of James Bond so he can focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun
MailOnline contacted representatives of Idris and James Bond producers at the time.
At the premiere of his film The Harder They Fall in 2021, when asked if he is considered the next 007, Idris said: ‘No, I’m not going to be James Bond.’
He told it too The Express about the rumors: “I’m probably the most famous Bond actor in the world, and I didn’t even play the part.”
Idris then added: “Enough is enough. I can’t talk about it anymore.’
Despite this, Ladbrokes awarded the actor a 3/1 for taking on the role after Daniel announced that 2021’s No Time To Die would be his final appearance as the character.
The bookmakers said at the time: ‘We have seen a huge interest in Idris Elba and have reduced his odds accordingly, so much so that he is now the clear favorite in our view to replace Daniel Craig as 007.’
Tom Hardy at 5/1, Rege-Jean Page 4/1 and Richard Madden 20/1 were also rumored to be in the running.
The actor, 51, raised ongoing discussions about his takeover as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy last year (Daniel Craig is pictured in the role)
A survey of 2,000 fans commissioned by Lottoland found that Idris was the most popular person for the job, ahead of Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill.
James Bond producer Barbara previously admitted that it will take a long time to choose Craig’s 007 replacement.
The filmmaker emphasized that it’s not as simple as choosing an actor to take on the iconic role of the friendly spy.
Speaking to Variety, Barbara said: ‘It’s a big decision.
‘It’s not just playing a role. It’s about a whole rethink of where we’re going.”
Earlier that same year, the blockbuster franchise’s producer confirmed that Idris was “part of the conversation” to become the next 007.
She told Deadline’s Crew Call podcast, “Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a great actor.”
In August 2022, it was reported that Idris had left ‘years of talks’ with film bosses to take over the famous role (pictured in 2022)
“And you know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always hard to have a conversation when there’s someone in the seat.”
Barbara added that Bond bosses are in no rush to name the actor as they wanted the cast and crew to enjoy Craig’s latest film No Time To Die.
She said: ‘I think we’ve decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to enjoy and reap the benefits of Daniel’s great tenure, we’re not going to doing. think of or talk about someone else.’
The producer also hinted at a reimagining of the franchise. explaining: ‘It’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re trying to figure out where to go with him, we’ll talk about that.”
However, she added that any casting announcements are still a ways off, saying, “We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time,” she continued. “There is no script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how to approach the next film.
“I’d say filming will take at least another two years.”