The name’s Elba. Idris Elba. Or maybe the name’s Fassbender. Michael Fassbender. Or Hiddleston. Tom Hiddleston. Or Turner. Aidan Turner. The Sun has published what is purportedly the official shortlist of actors being considered for the role of James Bond, once current 007 Daniel Craig decides to put away the Walther PPK for good. Elba and Hiddleston‘s names have been mentioned many times already, and both are favorites to take over the role. Fassbender is in demand for practically everything, so it’s not really a surprise to see his name here. Unlike the others, Turner isn’t a household name, but he’s a hot commodity after Poldark.
The other actors on the shortlist are Jamie Bell, Charlie Hunnam, Luke Evans, and James Norton. At 43, Elba is the oldest, something which might rule him out (the others are all in their 30s.) The final decision on the next James Bond lies with producer Barbara Broccoli. As much fun as all this 007 speculation might be, don’t expect an announcement any time soon: Craig hasn’t officially retired from the role.
