Its a role that has to date, been played seven times over six decades in twenty seven films.
Its an astonishing number of films we will certainly never see duplicated.
Here are the Bonds to date, in order of worst to first.
James Bond Collection
Best Bond Actors
David Niven
Nobody remembers this guy in the Bond world.
He had some big shoes to fill and many creative choices were made.
After Sean Connery retired from the role, Niven stepped in to film Casino Royale in 1967.
George Lazenby
Roger Moore
Welcome to the Gentleman bond era.
This is really the version of Bond that set the modern formula.
Pierce Brosnan
On paper, Pierce is the obvious choice for Bond.
Hes Roger Moore version 2.
While Brosnan is also a great Bond, he was a casualty of popular film trends.
Daniel Craig
On the opposite side of the spectrum is Craig.
Hes a gorilla in a tux.
The 2006 remake of Casino Royale kicked the door in and introduced the new Bond in an exciting way.
It was a refreshing change and reinvigorated the franchise that seemed on its last legs.
That said, it also peaked with Skyfall and fell into predictable mediocrity afterwards.
Its a dream team of costars.
Dalton was the mission focused killer the post Moore era asked for, and rejected once they got him.
He should have accepted.
Connery is and will always be Bond.
If he was still alive today, hed likely be recast as 007 again.
Special MentionTom Cruise
Okay, hear me out.
While Tom Cruise is obviously not 007, he is better.
The James Bond Franchise has lost its way.
Starting with Ghost Protocol, the M.I.
Ethan Hunt as a spy is more believable than Bond ever was.
We are all anxiously awaiting the last two installments of Cruises M.I.
coming to theaters soon.
Enough about who was best.
Its time to recast.
So whos next to wear the tux?
Heres a short list of the top contenders best suited for the role.
Who will be the next James Bond?
Idris Elba
Idris is easily the number one draft pick.
Hes the obvious choice with the looks, skill, box office draw, and action resume.
The problem is age.
Give this man the part already and start filming before its too late.
The clock is ticking.
Tom Hardy
There has been a steady buzz associating Hardy and future 007 casting.
However, Hardys largest roles are ironically when the director covers his face and limits his dialogue.
Tom Hiddleston
Tom exudes that young Pierce Brosnan energy.
Hes the best fit and has the pedigree to be a lady smashing, British secret agent.
If you make a list of role requirements, he checks every box with style and ease.
Chiwetel Ojiafor
If were going purely on talent then Chiwetel Ojiafor should be given the role tomorrow.
Hes easily the best actor on the list.
The intriguing thing about Ojiafor is that he brings a modern realism to the role.
James Bond should never be the prettiest man at the party.
Henry Cavill
With a diverse resume of leading heroes Cavill is an easy fit here.
Hes already believably played spies in Mission Impossible: Fallout as well as The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Just like dont edit out his mustache if he wears one.
Patel is a modern Brit and has a chameleon quality to him as divergent as the films he chooses.
Hes the everyman that makes all guys think that if called, they could suit up and be spies.
Rege Jean-Page
Out of nowhere comes newcomer Rege Jean-Page.
Hes a great choice for another reboot year one Bond style reinvention.
Hes young, attractive, has physical presence and solid range.
Its not the worst compromise to ensure James Bonds longevity.
