James Bond fans confirm who they REALLY want as Daniel Craig’s replacement, overwhelmingly beating two other 007 candidates

It’s the movie role that can transform unknown actors into global megastars – and now the British have had their say on who they want to be the next James Bond.

Thousands of Bond fans have cast their votes on who they want to replace Daniel Craig in the spy film franchise.

And topping the list is Luther star Idris Elba, who was the overwhelming favorite to perform after a survey of 2,000 Britons.

In the poll, commissioned by Lottoland, the 51-year-old beat the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, Superman’s Henry Cavill and Oscar-winning man with the golden gong, Cillian Murphy, for the prized role.

Among the other top 20 A-listers who suggested they might be in the running were some left-wing stars such as House of the Dragons’ Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren. The sun revealed.

Bond is known for turning those who play 007 into global superstars.

And the franchise isn’t shy about casting stars out of left field to take on the role. The late Sean Connery, one of the most recognizable Bonds, had only appeared in a series of TV films when he accepted the role of a British spy in 1962’s Dr. No, with which he achieved international fame.

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.

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.’

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.

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.”

“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 wonderful 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.”